Spacecraft Advanced Autonomy and Trust Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Vehicle Autonomy & System Trust department is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within The Aerospace Corporation. We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft Advanced Autonomy and Trust Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist- Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning) to be on the leading edge of development, integration, test, and establishment of trustworthiness for advanced autonomous systems.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least (3-4) regular onsite workdays and some remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Providing leadership to the growth of advanced autonomy at Aerospace by providing project leadership and technical expertise in the development of integration, test, and analysis capabilities for autonomous systems
• Working closely with customers to identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems
• Establishing Vehicle Autonomy, System Trust, and Emerging Technology Assessment subject matter expertise by helping to grow the needed skills and mentoring junior staff
• Providing direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, integration and test of emerging technologies
• Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop development for testing satellite systems, especially those incorporating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into their architecture

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Spacecraft Advanced Autonomy and Trust Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist- Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning) role:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• (10) years of applicable professional or industry experience is required
• Expertise with at least one spacecraft related discipline dynamics, control, autonomy or artificial intelligence
• Experience leading technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes
• Strong background in autonomous systems for space applications and/or integration of AI/ML with vehicle systems
• Sound communication skills with an ability to explain complex technical issues, activities, architectures and designs, and operations to staff and customers with limited engineering background
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple projects, including remote mentorship and training of junior staff located in multiple sites
• Willing to travel to Aerospace's campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, Albuquerque, NM, El Segundo, CA or contractor sites as needed, approx.~ 20%
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Autonomous system simulation, integration, and/or test experience is strongly preferred
• Experience in methods for assessing or enhancing safety, trustworthiness, and/or ethics in autonomous or AI-enabled systems is preferred
• Prior leadership experience with multi-disciplinary teams is strongly preferred
• Experience and familiarity with primary DOD, NASA, and related customer groups and missions is strongly preferred
• A current and active TS/SCI w/CI Poly security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.