2026 Vehicle Autonomy Engineer at The Aerospace… · Chantilly

Summary: The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. They are seeking a Vehicle Autonomy Engineer to advance the leading edge of highly autonomous space systems, focusing on autonomy research and integration. Responsibilities: - 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 Required Qualifications: - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - 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 Required Skills: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electro-mechanical Engineering, Spacecraft Discipline, Controls, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Testing, Embedded Systems, Linux, Python, C/C++, ROS2, Object-oriented Programming, Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR), Verification and Validation (V&V), Vehicle Modeling and Simulation Benefits: 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