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 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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments.
The Engineering Applications Department (EAD) within the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to bridge commercial product experience design practices with mission-critical software development. This role willestablishand lead the integration of UX/UI design with software development, bringing commercial and industrial best practices to space enterprise systems.
You'llprovide strategic leadership for integrated software development projects, ensuring that product experience design is embedded throughout the development lifecycle.You'lltranslate commercial UX/UI practices into aerospace and defense contexts, lead cross-functional teams, andestablishframeworks that enable seamless collaboration between designers and developers.
This is a full-time , onsite position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Establish commercial product experience design best practices and integration frameworks for UX/UI within software development lifecycles
Shape technical strategy and investment priorities for product experience capabilities across the organization
Maintain awareness of commercial UX/UI trends, design systems, and development methodologies
Lead integrated software development projects from concept through delivery across web, desktop, mobile, and immersive platforms
Guide technical and design decisions that balance user experience, feasibility, and mission requirements
Drive decision-making on architecture, design systems, and implementation approaches
Mentor team members in integrated design-development practices and commercial product experience methodologies
Build partnerships with customer-facing teams, commercial industry, academia, and government to advance product experience practices
Translate mission needs into innovative solutions whileestablishingclear workflows between design and development teams
Interact effectively with customers, leadership, and technical teams across all organizational levels
Present complex concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences from engineers to executives
Advocate for user-centered design principles in aerospace and defense contexts
What You Need to be Successful
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, HCI, Design, Engineering, or related STEM discipline from an accredited university
10+ years of professional experience in product design, UX/UI design, software development, or integrated product development with proventrack recordleading complex projects
Deep knowledge of commercial product experience design practices, design systems, and UX/UI integration with software development
Strong understanding of software development processes, modern frameworks, and how design integrates with technical architecture
Provenability to lead cross-functional teams, drive complex projects to completion, and influence organizational strategy
Demonstratedability to interact with customers, leadership, and technical teams, translating between business needs and technical solutions
Exceptional verbal and written skills for translating between business needs, user requirements, and technical solutions
Willing to travel domestically up to 10%
This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintainaDODsecurity clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
Master's degree or Ph.D. in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or related discipline
Significant experiencein commercial product organizations (tech, SaaS, consumer products) with ability to translate practices to government/defense contexts
Background in aerospace, defense, or government sectors with understanding of mission-critical systems
Experience building and scaling enterprise design systems integrated with development workflows
Experience with AR/VR, game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine), or advanced visualization technologies
Hands-on front-end development, APIs, or full-stack development background
Publications, presentations, or industry recognition in product experience design or design-development integration
Current DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance
Strong portfoliodemonstratingleadership in integrated design-development projects with measurable impact
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)
$151,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay 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:
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
The Aerospace Corporation is a leading architect for the nation’s space programs, advancing capabilities that outpace threats to the country’s national security while nurturing innovative technologies to further a new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace’s national workforce of more than 4,600 employees provides objective technical expertise and thought leadership to solve the hardest problems in space and assure mission success for space systems and space vehicles.
