2026 Vehicle Autonomy 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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Autonomy and System Trust (VAST) Department, within VSD, is responsible for advanced autonomy research and engineering for space systems. The department’s broad portfolio supports space and launch vehicles and engages in all areas of autonomy, including the application of artificial intelligence integration into physical systems. The team is seeking a Vehicle Autonomy Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff – Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning & Multi-disciplinary Engineering) to advance the leading edge of highly autonomous space systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site requiring at least 4 days onsite at our facility in El Segundo, CA. or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide technical contributions to advanced autonomy research and integration at The Aerospace Corporation

Execute analytical and testing capabilities to meet the needs of highly autonomous systems

Work closely with senior staff to help customers identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems

Establish Vehicle Autonomy and System Trust subject matter expertise by applying relevant engineering and analytical skills

Provide direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, modeling, simulation, and analysis

Conduct experimental investigations in the department’s Collaborative and Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem lab (CAVE) or Vehicle Autonomy Lab (VAL)

Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) development for testing satellite systems incorporating advanced autonomous functions and/or artificial intelligence into their architecture

What You Need to be Successful:

Minimum Requirements:

PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

0-1 year of industry work experience

Experience working with electro-mechanical engineering or software engineering principles

Experience with at least one spacecraft discipline, controls, robotics, or artificial intelligence/machine learning

Experience working on technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes

Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically/internationally) 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

How You Can Stand Out

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

Advanced degree or experience in autonomous systems, controls, or robotics

Experience with hardware-software integrating and communications or embedded systems

Experience integrating and testing AI/ML for autonomous or robotic systems

Experience with vehicle or subsystem modeling, simulation, and evaluation

Experience with methods for Fault, Detection, Isolation, & Recovery (FDIR) or Verification & Validation (V&V) of complex or non-deterministic systems

Proficiency in Linux, Python, C/C++, ROS2, object-oriented programming

Experience with technical writing, including authoring papers

Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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)

$120,000.00 – $140,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.