Vehicle Autonomy Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Vehicle Autonomy Engineer advancing autonomy research and integration for aerospace systems. Collaborating with teams to support critical space system lifecycle and integration tasks.

Posted 6/11/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $86,600 - $150,400 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
1 year or more 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
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr. Member of Technical Staff include:
3 years of experience in space vehicles
Experience with at least one vehicle autonomy discipline including spacecraft systems, controls, robotics, and/or applied artificial intelligence/machine learning

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

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Hard Skills & Tools

autonomymodelingsimulationanalysisHardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)artificial intelligencemachine learningelectro-mechanical engineeringsoftware engineering

Soft Skills

analytical skillsproblem-solvingcustomer relationship managementteam collaborationcommunicationtechnical supportadaptabilitywillingness to travelsubject matter expertisefostering relationships

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in STEMsecurity clearance