2026 Aerospace Software and Simulation 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.

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 Systems Software Department (VSSD) performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software to assess its readiness for flight. VSSD is seeking an Aerospace Software and Simulation Engineer with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.
• Develop models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators
• Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.
• Follow software and system best practices to support projects, collaborate with team members, and deliver quality products and reviews to customers.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Must work well in a team environment 
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills 
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Experience in aerospace systems, flight software development, modeling and simulation, or related engineering field
• Experience performing technical support in complex environments involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors
• Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation
• Experience programming in Python, Java, C/C++
• Experience with version control systems and Linux/Unix environments
• Understanding of software testing methodologies and best practices
• Willing to travel domestically to customer sites, launch facilities, or test locations approximately 10% as required
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• Experience in Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC), Modeling and Simulation, Embedded Systems Engineering, Flight Software Engineering, or related industry experience
• Knowledge of spacecraft flight software frameworks (NASA cFS, JPL FSW) or safety-critical software certification standards (DO-178C, ISO 26262)
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test systems
• Experience with model-based design tools (Simulink, Modelica, etc.)
• Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance
• Experience developing and/or testing real-time embedded software
• Experience working with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence
• Active Secret clearance or higher 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

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

• An inclusive 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.