AEROSPACE ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Aerospace Engineer in the defense sector analyzes what adversaries can do in the air and space domains, then turns that analysis into actionable intelligence. The role sits within contractor or government research teams that serve DoD customers, IC mission partners, and acquisition program offices, with work ranging from MASINT data exploitation to authoring statements of work and system requirements documents. Holding a TS/SCI clearance is a baseline entry condition, not a formality; every deliverable must comply with DoD classification guidelines. The technical challenge is real: incomplete sensor data, analytically contested foreign capabilities, and multi-organization stakeholder chains make precision and judgment mandatory.

As the Aerospace Engineer, you translate sensor collection data, foreign capability assessments, and technical research into finished intelligence products that inform DoD program decisions and IC mission planning. You work within a contractor or government team under senior analyst oversight, contributing to multi-disciplinary efforts that span collection gap analysis, reverse engineering of foreign systems, and acquisition documentation.

Career Impact: Aerospace Engineers who build a track record of IC-cleared analytical production become sought-after technical authorities, given that TS/SCI-cleared engineers with expertise in foreign capability analysis remain in sustained short supply across the defense market.

Business Impact: The assessments and acquisition documents you produce, from collection gap studies to system requirements documents, directly shape procurement decisions and collection posture for DoD programs valued in the hundreds of millions.

Growth Opportunity: Progression in this field typically leads toward systems engineering leadership or program technical advisor roles, with a CI Polygraph endorsement opening additional IC community access.

• Conduct research and analysis of foreign aerospace capabilities, systems, and technologies to support defense intelligence requirements within the IC.
• Produce finished intelligence products and technical assessments for DoD customers and IC mission partners, addressing current and emerging threats.
• Develop acquisition management documentation, including statements of work, system requirements documents, and budget projections, for program office decisions.
• Support test and evaluation, verification, and validation activities to confirm system and sensor performance against program requirements.
• Collaborate with IC members, program offices, and cross-functional engineering teams on collection strategies, information sharing, and analytical dispute resolution.
• Analyze sensor collection data and simulation outputs to generate performance predictions, feasibility assessments, and gap analyses.
• Identify integration issues, analytical inconsistencies, and technical risks, and develop mitigation recommendations for program leadership.
• Advise senior stakeholders and government customers on technical findings, foreign capability limitations, and strategic collection priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, a related engineering or scientific field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of relevant aerospace or defense engineering experience, with direct application to DoD or IC program environments.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain the program-required clearance level, including polygraph if applicable.
• US citizenship or work authorization that satisfies applicable national security requirements for cleared positions.
• Ability to translate complex, technically advanced information into clear written products and verbal briefings for government and technical audiences.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis, statistical methods, or computational evaluation techniques applicable to aerospace engineering problems.
• Ability to work semi-independently under senior oversight on analytical deliverables and contribute effectively within multidisciplinary program teams.

• Master's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Prior experience in defense acquisition support, systems engineering, and technical assistance, or program office advisory roles.
• Familiarity with ISR collection disciplines, MASINT sensor systems, or intelligence analysis frameworks within IC programs.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and documenting technical risks and developing avoidance or mitigation recommendations for program leadership.

• Number of finished intelligence products delivered per quarter, reflecting analytical throughput against program tasking.
• Percentage of acquisition documentation packages submitted on schedule to program office milestone reviews.
• Test discrepancy rate per evaluation cycle, measuring the gap between specified and validated system performance.
• Percentage of identified technical risks with documented mitigation plans completed before program review gates.
• Government customer acceptance rate on technical assessment and recommendation packages submitted for review.

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on clearance level and experience
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5% to 10% of base salary
• Equity: Rare at most defense contractors; stock purchase plans offered at larger primes
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes a significant share of premiums
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually; federal holiday schedule typically observed
• Common Perks: Clearance sponsorship, continuing education support, and government site access perks

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required, and all offers are contingent on the successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history review and verification of prior employment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

The Aerospace Engineer leads research and analytical production on foreign aerospace capabilities, including aircraft, spacecraft, and UAVs, delivering intelligence products that support defense customers and mission partners. Working within the Intelligence Community, the role shapes collection gap assessments and guides the selection of analytic methodologies to advance mission outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop white papers and studies on future space and technology measurement and signature intelligence collection capabilities and gaps.
• Perform research and development tasking, processing, exploitation, and dissemination of collected MASINT sensor data to support customers and mission partners.
• Support defense analytical requirements through scientific and engineering research, capability and limitation analysis, reverse engineering, and facility and vulnerability assessments on foreign aerospace capabilities.
• Conduct and produce analysis, assessments, and products on current and future foreign aerospace technology and systems, including aircraft, spacecraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground control systems.
• Provide guidance in selecting, designing, and applying analytic methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the labor category from an accredited college or university.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required, with willingness to obtain a CI Polygraph.
• 8 years of experience conducting analysis relevant to the labor category, with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years.
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistics and statistical packages, including MATLAB, SPSS, SAS, or R.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex, incomplete, or technically advanced information in a concise and organized manner, both verbally and in writing, with strong grammar skills.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize nuances and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies in information.
• Demonstrated ability to structure analysis based on reporting trends and a range of analytic perspectives from other analysts, organizations, and intelligence disciplines.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply Intelligence Community and DoD classification guidelines and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work semi-independently with oversight and direction.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other Intelligence Community members on information sharing, collection, and analytic dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to develop concise, insightful, and comprehensive products for defense intelligence.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in researching multifaceted or critical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to use logic when evaluating and synthesizing multiple sources of information.

Embedded within the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Weapons Development and Integration Directorate at Redstone Arsenal, the ERC Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer delivers research and development support for propellant, explosive, and energetic materials used in missile propulsion systems. Working closely with manufacturing, quality assurance, and customer representatives, this role supports the full cycle of propulsion research from design and testing through data analysis and technical reporting.

Core Functions

• Provide research and development support for propellant, explosive, and energetic materials used in solid, liquid, and air-breathing missiles.
• Perform data evaluation, interpretation, and documentation of various systems.
• Use software to analyze test data and generate propulsion system performance predictions.
• Design, plan, and execute work on systems, including facilities and structures used for tactical missile propulsion research and development.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, quality assurance, and customer representatives for missile programs.
• Provide rapid fabrication, test design, reverse engineering, static testing, data analysis, and reporting of propulsion and missile-related test articles.
• Manage test projects, provide mechanical design support for test fixtures, and perform structural analysis to design fixtures to the required 5-to-1 safety factor.
• Create drawings for machine shop part fabrication, specify component requirements, and research components based on specifications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 0–3 years of experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain certification in handling ammunition and explosives.
• Willingness to work with and handle energetic, explosive, and hazardous materials.
• Ability to become certified in the use of a respirator, if required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Solid grasp of primary Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering coursework.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software, with SolidWorks required and preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of combustion and detonation mechanisms.
• Working knowledge of initiation mechanisms in energetic materials.
• Hands-on experience with propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet, word processor, database, and email applications.
• Ability to work in a rugged environment, travel up to 10% of the time, and work independently or as part of a team.

Reporting to the engineering leadership, the Aerospace Engineer owns the full design and development lifecycle of engine installation packages for DeltaHawk configurations, ensuring compliance with 14 CFR Part 23 and Part 33 requirements. Partnering with technicians, suppliers, and customers, this role delivers installation and test documentation that enables safe and regulatory-compliant aircraft integration.

Primary Duties

• Lead the design and development of engine installation packages meeting all 14 CFR Part 23 and Part 33 requirements.
• Develop installation package designs, including mounting structure, cowl, propeller selection, cooling, fuel, lubrication, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Analyze existing aircraft engineering and performance data along with relevant aviation regulations, then develop technical and executable plans for specific aircraft.
• Work with technicians to oversee installations and resolve problems as they arise.
• Develop and analyze installation and engine test plans, assist with test execution, and review test data.
• Assist with and oversee the development of all documentation, including design, installation, maintenance, parts, and operational documentation.
• Provide design feedback on primary engine components as they integrate with the aircraft to meet performance, durability, and regulatory requirements.
• Interact with suppliers, consultants, and customers to meet project requirements and deliver design data and installation instructions.
• Use FEA and CFD analysis tools to design engine and installation systems and components.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of aerospace engineering experience.
• Knowledge of SolidWorks or other drafting and modeling programs preferred.
• Previous experience with commercial aircraft and/or engines.
• Solid knowledge of GD&T.

Sitting at the intersection of naval architecture and advanced ship systems engineering, the Aerospace Engineer designs and develops new ships and ship system concepts for a government customer, conducting feasibility analysis and applying military and classification standards to complex vessel designs. Operating across vendor, contractor, and cross-functional team interfaces, this role delivers design reports, recommendations, and trade study outcomes that inform current and future Navy ship development programs.

Duties

• Design, develop, and analyze new ships and ship system concepts.
• Develop complex designs for current and conceptualized ships, systems, and equipment.
• Use design software to prepare plans, drawings, and analytical models.
• Evaluate designs for feasibility and analyze critical elements or performance using analytic tools, model-scale and full-scale testing, or prototyping as appropriate.
• Prepare reports of results and conclusions, and recommend and implement design changes based on those conclusions.
• Identify and apply regulatory and customer standards, commercial and military standards, and classification society rules to ship designs and modifications.
• Interface with vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure necessary resources are available for ships and systems.
• Research new technology and development tools to remain informed of current advances in ship design and systems, and participate in ongoing Navy ship trade studies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a similar field.
• Knowledge of ship systems and proficiency in reviewing engineering drawings and specifications.
• Ability to write clear reports and specifications in English with good verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently on individual projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members.

A key member of the Modeling and Application Development Group's mission planning team, the Aerospace Engineer builds the Enterprise Collection Planner software for the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, translating operational needs into technical requirements through design, code, and testing. Collaborating across software developers, program managers, customers, and testers, this role advances the deployment of a mission planning application supporting AF DCGS operations.

Functions

• Validate and verify the technical characteristics and performance of airborne.
• Space-based platforms and sensors.
• Translate operational needs into technical requirements through software design, code, and testing, and prepare supporting documentation.
• Work closely with customers, software developers, program managers, and testers to design, develop, and deploy a mission planning application.
• Represent the development team at customer meetings.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, preferably Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Master's degree or higher in a technical discipline preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance, with an active Secret clearance or TS/SCI strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Software development, coding, and debugging experience across the full development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of C#, VB, .NET, Java, HTML, or XML.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with government and industry representatives.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with mission planning, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance technologies and systems, AF DCGS, or Agile methodologies such as Scrum or SAFe desirable.

Delivering customer-driven product design and development across the full concept-to-completion lifecycle, the Aerospace Engineer owns CAD modeling, prototype support, and technical reporting for aircraft platform controls components. Based within a product development team, this role serves as the primary interface with customers on active projects, ensuring design specifications and component requirements are met to a high standard.

Accountabilities

• Design new products and redesign existing products to meet customer needs and specifications.
• Participate in product development from concept through completion.
• Conduct product testing and perform CAD modeling, assisting with prototype creation.
• Interface with customers on projects as needed.
• Write technical reports.

Technical Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is highly preferred.
• 4+ years of design and development experience with aircraft platform controls.
• Aircraft component design experience is highly preferred.
• Experience writing component specifications or designing products to meet those specifications, including technical writing experience.
• 3D CAD modeling experience, with SolidWorks experience required.

As the Aerospace Engineer - Principal level - this role shapes the full lifecycle development of nuclear thermal propulsion, fission surface power, and radioisotope heat source hardware, from requirements definition through flight operations. The engineering organization relies on this work to advance safety-critical hardware in a highly regulated domain, while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to program management and planning.

Activities

• Develop concepts and designs for nuclear thermal propulsion, fission surface power, and radioisotope heat source hardware.
• Develop components and systems from requirements definition through design, development, manufacturing, test, verification, validation, and flight operations.
• Analyze the performance of complex nuclear systems by creating models that integrate subsystems with their own requirements and performance characteristics.
• Analyze the thermo-structural performance of components to assess the impacts of thermal loading, vibration, pressure, and other loads.
• Create manufacturable design drawings and component specifications.
• Develop test plans, design test infrastructure, and execute tests during development test campaigns.
• Communicate with parts manufacturers and coordinate the purchase of off-the-shelf hardware.
• Document design decisions and write technical reports.
• Mentor junior engineers, define and enforce mechanical engineering processes, and contribute an engineering perspective to program management activities, including resource estimation and program planning.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience primarily within aerospace engineering.
• Experience designing safety-critical components in nuclear, aerospace, medical, or other highly regulated, high-consequence applications.
• Experience in full life-cycle development of mechanical system hardware within a complex system, with a strong preference for nuclear, power, or aerospace systems.
• Experience in defining and executing system test campaigns, including data reduction and analysis.
• Proficiency in assembly and component design in CAD, preferably NX.
• Proficiency in GD&T.
• Proficiency in FEA/FEM for static, dynamic, and thermal analysis of mechanical systems, preferably in Simcenter 3D.
• Experience in hands-on hardware design, analysis, prototyping, fabrication, and assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, proactively identify and prioritize tasks, and communicate technical information to high-level stakeholders.

Senior Aerospace Engineer builds new air vehicles from initial concept through deployment, balancing performance trade-offs across aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, avionics, and payload subsystems within a dedicated vehicle development team. Success in the position means defining aircraft-level key performance parameters, executing detailed airframe design, and developing test methodologies that enable scaling to larger and more complex air vehicles.

Operational Focus

• Execute development of new air vehicles from initial concept through deployment.
• Develop air vehicle concepts, conceptual designs, and configuration layouts by balancing performance implications across aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, avionics, and payload subsystems.
• Develop aircraft-level key performance parameters and flow requirements down to each subsystem.
• Execute detailed airframe and subsystem design and fabrication as required.
• Support system test by developing subsystem and system-level ground and flight test plans to expand the flight envelope and validate performance requirements.
• Develop aircraft design and test methodologies and best practices to enable scaling to larger, more complex air vehicles.
• Act as a subject matter expert and resource for aircraft engineering teams, and grow and strengthen key team skillsets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a US Top Secret security clearance.
• 7+ years of mechanical and aerospace experience in a professional setting.
• Strong experience developing air vehicle conceptual designs and transitioning them to deployable systems, including developing parametric aircraft sizing tools.
• Familiarity with key aircraft subsystems and their development methods, including aero-performance, stability and control, structures, avionics, and propulsion.
• Experience with prototype composite and aluminum airframe manufacturing methods.
• Experience on aircraft flight lines, including systems integration, ground test, and flight envelope expansion.
• Experience in SolidWorks, NX, or Teamcenter.
• Ability to integrate electronic components, including motors, controllers, and sensors, into mechanical designs.
• Experience with machining, sheet metal, injection molding, and 3D printing.

The Senior Aerospace Engineer leads technical and programmatic support across the full lifecycle of airborne systems, developing acquisition information packages, reviewing technical architectures, and providing recommendations aligned with mission strategy. Working within an aviation-domain systems engineering team, this role delivers risk identification, mitigation recommendations, and integration oversight that sustain program timelines and mission outcomes for a government customer.

Key Deliverables

• Capture and develop requirements and provide architecture recommendations.
• Review technical packages, including proposals, drawings, interface control documents, and architectures.
• Provide technical and programmatic recommendations aligned with mission needs and overall strategy.
• Develop information packages to support acquisition management, including statements of work, system requirements documents, schedules, letters, memos, and budget and funding projections.
• Anticipate, mitigate, and debug component integration issues.
• Review formal acceptance test plans and test cards, and support run-for-record execution.
• Monitor applicable future technologies and identify opportunities to incorporate them, providing recommendations as appropriate.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field with 14 years of experience in full-lifecycle systems engineering, including prior experience in the aviation domain.
• Master's degree in an engineering field, preferably Systems Engineering, preferred.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required.
• Prior Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance experience.
• Deep engineering domain experience in airborne systems, manned or unmanned.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple stakeholders to build partnerships and foster relationships.
• Demonstrated experience proactively identifying risks and issues and developing recommendations to avoid, mitigate, or accept them.
• Ability to tailor and adapt systems engineering principles to meet the speed and needs of the mission.
• Ability to develop detailed familiarity with aircraft system architectures, requirements baselines, and payload capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively with a geographically dispersed team of engineers, operators, and management.

Embedded within an international aerospace research institution, the Aerospace Engineer manages the flight dynamics and handling qualities research group, directing resources, identifying new research areas, and providing mentorship to staff, doctoral students, and visiting scientists. Working closely with national and international partners across specialist committees, this role shapes applied research outcomes that advance rotorcraft simulation, flight mechanics, and system evaluation capabilities.

Areas of Ownership

• Manage the flight dynamics and handling qualities research group, including planning of group resources.
• Conduct research in flight dynamics and handling qualities of rotorcraft.
• Identify new research areas and project ideas through exchange within the international community, literature research, and interdisciplinary cooperation.
• Assist with acquisition activities.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and professional development for group employees, doctoral students, and visiting scientists.
• Participate in specialist committees inside and outside the organization.

Education & Experience

• Completed a scientific university degree in Aerospace Engineering or a similar field, at diploma or master's level.
• Doctorate or a reasonable number of scientific publications demonstrating proven scientific ability.
• Experience in networking and coordinating cooperation with national and international partners is desirable.
• Experience in simulation and flight test campaigns with rotorcraft is desirable.
• Knowledge in simulation, flight mechanics, handling qualities, and system evaluation of rotorcraft.
• Professional and project experience in applied research.
• Evidence of leadership and management skills, such as team leadership experience, raising third-party funds, supervising theses, or providing guidance on scientific work.
• Experience in acquiring national and international research and industrial projects.
• Very good spoken and written proficiency in German and English.
• Knowledge of funding opportunities in the German science system desirable.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, initiative, and a high sense of responsibility.

Reporting to a multidisciplinary engineering team, the Aerospace Engineer builds and debugs C++ simulation code that models defense systems and subsystems within a synthetic training environment, translating technical specifications into physically accurate object representations. Partnering with subject matter experts and support staff, this role contributes to defense readiness by delivering high-fidelity simulations of platforms, including aircraft, missiles, and integrated air defense systems.

Role Responsibilities

• Assist an aerospace engineering team in developing an advanced synthetic training environment.
• Write and modify C++ code used to simulate real-world defense systems and subsystems and to model their physical attributes in a simulated battlespace environment.
• Review technical specifications, derive them into object representations, and model the interactions of objects in accordance with physical principles and simulation system rules.
• Write and debug C++ code, design solutions as part of a team, and coordinate the delivery of completed projects.
• Work daily with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, subject matter experts, and support staff.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering required.
• 2 years of relevant work experience.
• 2+ years of experience in object-oriented software development using C++ and Agile processes.
• Experience in modeling and simulation of systems and platforms, including radars, missiles, integrated air defense systems, aircraft, helicopters, satellites, ships, submarines, and vehicles desirable.
• Familiarity with survivability, lethality, vulnerability, engagement, and mission-level analysis desirable.
• Familiarity with electronic warfare, infrared and electro-optical and acoustic modeling and analysis, and red and blue concepts of operations and tactics, techniques, and procedures is desirable.

Sitting at the intersection of aviation domain expertise and advanced analytical modeling, the Senior Aerospace Engineer develops detailed aircraft performance and cost models for traditional and future VTOL concepts, evaluating technical feasibility and advising the government on strategic investment areas. Operating across government and team stakeholders, this role delivers Python-based performance analysis, technology assessments, and investment recommendations that directly inform DoD decision-making on future air systems.

Job Functions

• Develop detailed aircraft performance and cost models for traditional and future aircraft.
• Review and update previously developed Python models used to determine aircraft performance.
• Evaluate technical aircraft data to determine whether claimed performance is feasible based on vehicle properties.
• Assess projected technological advancements and evaluate their impact on performance and costs of future concepts.
• Advise the team and the government on promising future aircraft, key performance limitations, required support infrastructure, and strategic investment areas in VTOL technologies of interest to the DoD.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering required, with a Master's or PhD preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Aviation domain experience.
• Expertise in developing flight performance models and evaluating aircraft characteristics for feasibility.
• Proficiency in Python and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of military operations and knowledge of utility theory are desirable.
• Experience with VBA desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent written and oral communication skills.

A key member of an aerospace engineering team operating in the defense acquisition environment, the Aerospace Engineer builds systems safety assessments, requirements management, and test and evaluation activities in support of airworthiness and certification objectives. Collaborating across project and stakeholder groups, this role delivers engineering analysis and trial reporting that enable compliant and mission-ready aerospace capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Perform systems and process design and design review.
• Conduct systems safety assessment and risk analysis.
• Support test and evaluation, verification, and validation activities.
• Plan, execute, and report on trials.
• Manage requirements and configuration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field with demonstrated experience applied within the aerospace industry.
• Australian citizenship with a current or recently lapsed AGSVA clearance, or the ability to obtain a security clearance at the appropriate level.
• Ideally, 3–15 years of experience working within an aerospace environment.
• Experience in systems engineering, airworthiness and certification, test and evaluation, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, cyberworthiness, project management and control, acquisition and sustainment, and personnel management.
• Previous experience in the CASG or SPO environment is highly regarded.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong client management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Delivering aerodynamics and aerothermal engineering solutions across the full arc from requirements trade studies to hardware integration, the Aerospace Engineer builds digital simulation models and CFD analyses for hypersonic re-entry bodies within the Computational Engineering Division. Based within a team supporting hypersonic programs, this role serves as a contributor to conceptual design, flight test validation, and the integration of advanced CFD and thermal response workflows that advance program objectives.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Build digital engineering simulation models, including CAD models and numerical meshes, for hypersonic re-entry bodies.
• Assess aerodynamic and aerothermal performance of hypersonic vehicles using CFD and coupled material response analysis.
• Contribute to the conceptual design of future hypersonic systems and support concept trade studies and derivation of aerodynamic requirements.
• Employ software development best practices, including version control, unit testing, and thorough documentation.
• Validate models using flight test data and report technical approaches.
• Contribute to the integration of advanced future CFD and thermal response codes and analysis workflows.
• Work independently and with teams to solve moderately complex engineering analysis problems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of aerodynamics, flight dynamics theory, and industry-standard CFD tools and methods.
• Object-oriented programming experience, particularly in Python, Java, C++, Fortran, or MATLAB.
• Experience exercising independent judgment in determining optimal techniques, methods, and evaluation criteria for engineering questions.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with model-based aerodynamic design preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as CREO/Pro-E, SolidWorks, CATIA, or UGNX preferred.
• Familiarity with CFD pre- and post-processing software such as Pointwise, Ansys, Tecplot, or Paraview is preferred.
• Familiarity with CFD codes such as Cart3D, US3D, DPLR, or SPARC preferred.
• Familiarity with aerothermal response codes such as FIAT, ATAC, or CHAR is preferred.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: linearized aerodynamic theory, static and dynamic stability, aerodynamic database generation, heat transfer, ablation, or verification and validation preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

As the Senior Aerospace Engineer, this role leads small teams in planning, deployment, integration, testing, and configuration management of space domain awareness software tools, applying expertise in orbital mechanics, space protection, and space flight safety to complex customer mission objectives. The engineering organization relies on this work to evaluate system capabilities, model orbital threats, develop briefings, and deliver innovative solutions to unusually complex problems within a high-consequence space operations environment.

Scope of Work

• Assist the Chief Systems Engineer and lead small teams in planning, deployment, integration, testing, and configuration management of space domain awareness software tools.
• Apply expertise in orbital and space flight safety, space protection, and space control to contribute to the development of customer mission objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to system capabilities, including space object correlation, observation planning, custody tracking, maneuver detection, and significant state change detection.
• Create scenarios to simulate threats to space objects and develop data for system testing.
• Evaluate historical data to model orbits and assess image quality.
• Develop presentations, briefings, and concepts of operations for a space domain awareness system, including program status review briefs and course-of-action decision briefs.
• Independently determine and develop approaches to solutions while working under general direction, exercising sound judgment to avoid decisions that would result in serious program delays or expenditure of resources.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field required, with an aerospace engineering degree preferred.
• Master's degree in a technical field preferred.
• 10 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with satellite operations, including orbital mechanics and ground stations.
• Must have an active TS/SCI clearance.
• 3+ years of experience in the Intelligence Community with a systems engineering focus preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in software or hardware integration preferred.
• Experience with defensive space control, space operations, or mission protection preferred.
• Experience with STK Space Simulation software is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and with stakeholders.

Aerospace Engineer supports the Advanced Phenomenologies Office at NGA's Space Pod, conducting orbital analysis, modeling and simulation, and GEOINT data exploitation across traditional and non-traditional collection sources. The work directly supports the development of improved spatially, spectrally, and temporally resolved intelligence by applying expertise in astrodynamics, space systems design, and foreign aerospace capabilities to high-profile research and technical support programs.

Work Activities

• Review and assess existing and state-of-the-art space components, subsystems, systems, and architectures, and propose.
• Review new technologies as they are integrated.
• Use the Systems Tool Kit and similar tools to conduct earth-centric, cis-lunar, lunar, and planetary orbital analysis for individual space platforms and constellations.
• Provide technical expertise to develop modeling and simulation capabilities.
• Support and improve the collection, analysis, processing, data fusion, exploitation, and dissemination of GEOINT data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or Astrophysics with 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree in the same fields with 8 years of experience, or a PhD with 5 years of experience.
• Experience in astrodynamics.
• Knowledge of the design, development, and testing of structures and systems for aircraft, missiles, or spacecraft.
• Advanced knowledge of foreign aerospace capabilities.
• Experience in modeling, mathematics, MATLAB, Python, and STK.
• Willingness to travel to domestic and international government and contractor locations in support of program activities.

The Aerospace Engineer performs vehicle trajectory analysis, aerodynamic database development, and flight performance simulation for current and future space launch vehicles at an expanding space launch startup, contributing to the design and production of a new orbital system. Reporting to the engineering team and collaborating on business proposals and technical challenge resolution, this role shapes aerodynamic modeling outputs that feed directly into vehicle design decisions and launch operations.

Performance Expectations

• Perform vehicle trajectory analysis and optimization on current and future vehicles.
• Perform analytical and numerical analyses to evaluate aerodynamics, performance, and stability and control.
• Contribute to the development of aerodynamic databases using analytical, numerical, ground, and flight test data.
• Contribute to flight performance simulations through aerodynamic modeling and analysis.
• Develop advanced design tools as required, help resolve technical challenges, and contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems.
• Support the preparation of business proposals.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics from an accredited institution with 5+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline preferred.
• 1+ years of experience with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis.
• 1+ years of experience coding in MATLAB or Python.
• Hands-on experience in external, compressible fluid dynamics preferred.
• Experience with hypersonic and high-temperature gas dynamics preferred.
• Experience with aerodynamic theory and analysis, vehicle development and test, and translating engineering analyses into workable design solutions for flight vehicles is preferred.
• Experience with NX or other CAD software for generating watertight geometries preferred.

Embedded within the Acoustics and Installation Aero team, the Lead Aerospace Engineer develops aerodynamic design and installation optimization of inlets, nacelles, and exhaust systems for next-generation commercial aviation propulsion systems. Working closely with internal customers, airframers, and global partners, this role produces CFD analyses, test programs, and technical documentation that advance propulsion performance and protect competitive intellectual property.

Core Responsibilities

• Execute aerodynamic analysis, design, test, and integration functions to define and support assigned components, assemblies, and systems that meet program and product requirements.
• Perform CFD studies, including geometry modification, meshing, solver execution, post-processing, and interpretation of results.
• Use and develop in-house engineering tools to perform aerodynamic evaluations.
• Plan and execute test programs, achieving objectives within schedule and budget constraints.
• Document and communicate aero design, analysis, and test data results, and prepare and present technical information to internal and external customers.
• Contribute to process improvement by sharing lessons learned and best-practice documentation.
• Assure proper documentation of technical data consistent with engineering policies and procedures.
• Prepare invention disclosures to protect competitive technology and intellectual property.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with an emphasis in aerodynamics, acoustics, or heat transfer.
• 3 years of relevant industry experience, or an advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering.
• Advanced degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• Experience in engine or aircraft aerodynamic design, assessment, CFD, and test support.
• Experience designing or modeling heat exchanger ducts, inlets, and exhausts.
• Proficiency with ANSYS CFX and/or FLUENT.
• Excellent communication skills with strong teaming and collaboration capability.

Reporting to the Kratos Defense Rocket Support Services engineering team, the Aerospace Engineer leads flight performance analysis of guided and unguided suborbital launch vehicles, covering aerodynamics, mass properties, propulsion, trajectory simulation, and dispersion estimation. Partnering with launch range safety elements and mission development stakeholders, this role delivers post-flight analysis, ballistic trajectory simulations, and wind-weighting support that enable safe and successful launch operations.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Analyze launch vehicle configurations and perform trade studies to support mission development.
• Perform aerodynamic analysis to determine aerodynamic force and moment coefficients.
• Manage and report overall vehicle mass properties.
• Create, shape, and analyze ballistic trajectory simulations, and perform Monte Carlo dispersion analysis for guided and unguided launch vehicles.
• Generate and examine predicted vehicle in-flight structural and heating loads.
• Create and manage flight safety data reports for launch range safety elements.
• Provide ballasting recommendations and wind-weighting support for launch operations.
• Perform post-flight analysis of vehicle performance.
• Support integration of thrust vector control guidance and attitude control system software into trajectory simulation and Monte Carlo dispersion models.

Position Requirements

• Previous experience with MATLAB software.
• Sound knowledge of aerodynamic stability and control.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Working knowledge of Trajectory Analysis and Optimization Software.
• Good communication skills.

Sitting at the intersection of missile aerodynamics and guidance, navigation, and control engineering, the Aerospace Engineer develops and validates 6-DOF simulation models and GNC subsystem algorithms in support of full-spectrum defense system engineering programs. Operating across subject matter expert teams and multidisciplinary technical stakeholders, this role delivers Monte Carlo performance analyses, trade studies, and technical documentation that advance missile system simulation fidelity and program objectives.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Provide support in the development of guidance, navigation, and control for various missile systems, including development, implementation, and analysis of subsystem models and algorithms to support a 6-DOF missile simulation.
• Utilize simulations, models, and algorithms within a 6-DOF architecture to conduct performance analyses, including Monte Carlo analysis, scenario development, and trade studies.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to assist in the development of new models and simulations.
• Develop analysis tools for aerodynamic tables, GNC performance, and trade studies.
• Verify and validate the performance of all-digital subsystem models.
• Write technical documentation as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in missile aerodynamics, guidance, and control.
• Competence in C++, Python, and MATLAB/SciLab.
• Experience in 6-DOF modeling and simulation development.
• Good communication skills with the ability to present analysis findings.