Aerospace Engineer
Infinity Systems Engineering, Albuquerque, NM, United States
Job Summary
The Aerospace Engineer provides systems engineering, mission design, and technical analysis support for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, and integration of spacecraft systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA‑class satellites, supporting cradle‑to‑grave space mission lifecycles from concept development through flight operations.
Key Responsibilities
Support systems engineering tasks for AFRL Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and Systems Engineers on space technology programs
Develop and refine mission requirements, concept of operations (CONOPS), mission constraints, and conceptual designs for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to ESPA‑class satellites
Conduct mission design and evaluation including orbit analysis, launch vehicle integration studies, and mission timeline development
Perform design tradeoffs and alternatives analysis to support technology selection and system architecture decisions
Support refinement of programmatic objectives into actionable technical requirements and requirement flow‑downs
Develop interface control documentation, specifications, and design documentation for spacecraft systems
Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Analysis
Perform mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineering to support spacecraft and high‑altitude balloon experiment designs
Conduct spacecraft subsystem modeling, integration planning, and system‑level simulations
Design and analyze spacecraft structures, mechanisms, thermal management systems, and power systems
Evaluate spacecraft performance through analytical methods, modeling and simulation, and engineering analysis
Support development of Government Reference Designs (GRD) with technical input and design documentation
Identify requirement shortfalls, missing functionality, and recommend system improvements
Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis
Ensure all testing activities comply with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements
Support Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities including requirements definition, design, analysis, and verification/validation throughout the program lifecycle
Develop modeling capabilities to simulate, emulate, and evaluate technology options identified by AFRL
Test and operate modeling and simulation capabilities for spacecraft systems and mission scenarios
Perform analyses comparing model and simulation results to experimental findings and test data
Conduct satellite system simulation and mission effectiveness evaluation
Hardware Development and Technology Implementation
Support spacecraft and high‑altitude balloon flight hardware design and fabrication
Provide hardware development, integration planning, and technology transition support
Support design and fabrication of ground‑based proofs‑of‑concept, experiments, and demonstrations
Prepare documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for experimental evaluations
Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction by third parties
Integration and Test Support
Support spacecraft bus, payload, and experiment assembly and integration within government facilities
Review and provide input on test procedures, safety plans, and risk management plans
Support launch integration activities including integration studies, interface control documents, and launch site support
Assist with shipping, protecting, and transporting flight experiments and support equipment
Program Support and Collaboration
Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, program reviews, off‑sites, and technical conferences
Support procurement assistance with long‑lead hardware/software critical to space experiment program success
Support technology transfer planning and decommissioning activities, including planning for technology transition to external mission partners
Support miscellaneous tasks such as trade studies, demonstrations, and various analyses as directed by Government Program Managers
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Support comprehensive cybersecurity and information assurance activities including compliance with DoD risk management frameworks and security requirements
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
Experience: 0–10 years of experience in system integration and testing
Clearance Requirement: Top Secret
Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering, subsystem design, and mission analysis
Proficiency in aerospace engineering principles including orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and mission design
Experience with mechanical, thermal, structural, and/or electrical analysis for aerospace systems
Understanding of spacecraft subsystems including power, propulsion, attitude determination and control, communications, and structures
Proficiency with engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, STK, Python, or similar)
Experience with CAD software for mechanical design (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar)
Knowledge of spacecraft environmental requirements and space‑qualification testing
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration
Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams with engineers, scientists, and program managers
Preferred Skills:
Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or ESPA‑class spacecraft programs
Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CAMEO, Innoslate, or similar)
Experience with spacecraft modeling and simulation tools (STK, GMAT, or similar)
Knowledge of DoD and Air Force space systems, acquisition processes, and program management
Familiarity with aerospace standards:
MIL‑STD‑1540D (Product Verification Requirements for Launch, Upper‑Stage, and Space Vehicles)
MIL‑STD‑882D (System Safety)
DoD‑HDBK‑343 (One‑Of‑A‑Kind Space Equipment)
Experience with thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT)
Experience with finite element analysis (ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS)
Background in flight experiment operations or mission operations center support
Experience with high‑altitude balloon systems and near‑space experiments
Prior experience working with AFRL, DoD laboratories, or Air Force programs
Professional engineering (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a lab, manufacturing, or field testing environment with occasional exposure to industrial settings
May require lifting up to 25 pounds and working with test equipment
Travel may be required for on‑site testing, field support, or customer demonstrations
Work Schedule
This is a full‑time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Overtime may be required depending on operational needs.
Benefits
Great Company Culture: success is driven by employee happiness and satisfaction
Health Benefits: 100% company‑paid monthly medical and dental premiums for employee and family
Financial Planning: 401(k) company contribution and free professional financial planning advisors
Rest and Relaxation: three weeks of vacation and an annual company reward trip after one year of employment
Sick Leave: 48 hours of sick leave in addition to vacation and flexible spending options for medical and dependent care
Work/Life Balance: genuine flexibility and support for employees’ lives outside of work
Education and Training Reimbursement: support for career aspirations and growth through an education reimbursement program
Profit Sharing Plan: eligible employees receive an annual payout based on the profit‑sharing plan
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The Aerospace Engineer provides systems engineering, mission design, and technical analysis support for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, and integration of spacecraft systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA‑class satellites, supporting cradle‑to‑grave space mission lifecycles from concept development through flight operations.
Key Responsibilities
Support systems engineering tasks for AFRL Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and Systems Engineers on space technology programs
Develop and refine mission requirements, concept of operations (CONOPS), mission constraints, and conceptual designs for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to ESPA‑class satellites
Conduct mission design and evaluation including orbit analysis, launch vehicle integration studies, and mission timeline development
Perform design tradeoffs and alternatives analysis to support technology selection and system architecture decisions
Support refinement of programmatic objectives into actionable technical requirements and requirement flow‑downs
Develop interface control documentation, specifications, and design documentation for spacecraft systems
Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Analysis
Perform mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineering to support spacecraft and high‑altitude balloon experiment designs
Conduct spacecraft subsystem modeling, integration planning, and system‑level simulations
Design and analyze spacecraft structures, mechanisms, thermal management systems, and power systems
Evaluate spacecraft performance through analytical methods, modeling and simulation, and engineering analysis
Support development of Government Reference Designs (GRD) with technical input and design documentation
Identify requirement shortfalls, missing functionality, and recommend system improvements
Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis
Ensure all testing activities comply with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements
Support Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities including requirements definition, design, analysis, and verification/validation throughout the program lifecycle
Develop modeling capabilities to simulate, emulate, and evaluate technology options identified by AFRL
Test and operate modeling and simulation capabilities for spacecraft systems and mission scenarios
Perform analyses comparing model and simulation results to experimental findings and test data
Conduct satellite system simulation and mission effectiveness evaluation
Hardware Development and Technology Implementation
Support spacecraft and high‑altitude balloon flight hardware design and fabrication
Provide hardware development, integration planning, and technology transition support
Support design and fabrication of ground‑based proofs‑of‑concept, experiments, and demonstrations
Prepare documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for experimental evaluations
Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction by third parties
Integration and Test Support
Support spacecraft bus, payload, and experiment assembly and integration within government facilities
Review and provide input on test procedures, safety plans, and risk management plans
Support launch integration activities including integration studies, interface control documents, and launch site support
Assist with shipping, protecting, and transporting flight experiments and support equipment
Program Support and Collaboration
Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, program reviews, off‑sites, and technical conferences
Support procurement assistance with long‑lead hardware/software critical to space experiment program success
Support technology transfer planning and decommissioning activities, including planning for technology transition to external mission partners
Support miscellaneous tasks such as trade studies, demonstrations, and various analyses as directed by Government Program Managers
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Support comprehensive cybersecurity and information assurance activities including compliance with DoD risk management frameworks and security requirements
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
Experience: 0–10 years of experience in system integration and testing
Clearance Requirement: Top Secret
Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering, subsystem design, and mission analysis
Proficiency in aerospace engineering principles including orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and mission design
Experience with mechanical, thermal, structural, and/or electrical analysis for aerospace systems
Understanding of spacecraft subsystems including power, propulsion, attitude determination and control, communications, and structures
Proficiency with engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, STK, Python, or similar)
Experience with CAD software for mechanical design (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar)
Knowledge of spacecraft environmental requirements and space‑qualification testing
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration
Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams with engineers, scientists, and program managers
Preferred Skills:
Experience with CubeSat, small satellite, or ESPA‑class spacecraft programs
Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CAMEO, Innoslate, or similar)
Experience with spacecraft modeling and simulation tools (STK, GMAT, or similar)
Knowledge of DoD and Air Force space systems, acquisition processes, and program management
Familiarity with aerospace standards:
MIL‑STD‑1540D (Product Verification Requirements for Launch, Upper‑Stage, and Space Vehicles)
MIL‑STD‑882D (System Safety)
DoD‑HDBK‑343 (One‑Of‑A‑Kind Space Equipment)
Experience with thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT)
Experience with finite element analysis (ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS)
Background in flight experiment operations or mission operations center support
Experience with high‑altitude balloon systems and near‑space experiments
Prior experience working with AFRL, DoD laboratories, or Air Force programs
Professional engineering (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a lab, manufacturing, or field testing environment with occasional exposure to industrial settings
May require lifting up to 25 pounds and working with test equipment
Travel may be required for on‑site testing, field support, or customer demonstrations
Work Schedule
This is a full‑time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Overtime may be required depending on operational needs.
Benefits
Great Company Culture: success is driven by employee happiness and satisfaction
Health Benefits: 100% company‑paid monthly medical and dental premiums for employee and family
Financial Planning: 401(k) company contribution and free professional financial planning advisors
Rest and Relaxation: three weeks of vacation and an annual company reward trip after one year of employment
Sick Leave: 48 hours of sick leave in addition to vacation and flexible spending options for medical and dependent care
Work/Life Balance: genuine flexibility and support for employees’ lives outside of work
Education and Training Reimbursement: support for career aspirations and growth through an education reimbursement program
Profit Sharing Plan: eligible employees receive an annual payout based on the profit‑sharing plan
#J-18808-Ljbffr