Senior Project Engineer, Product Experience Design and Integrati

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 will establish and lead the integration of UX/UI design with software development, bringing commercial and industrial best practices to space enterprise systems.

You'll provide strategic leadership for integrated software development projects, ensuring that product experience design is embedded throughout the development lifecycle. You'll translate commercial UX/UI practices into aerospace and defense contexts, lead cross-functional teams, and establish frameworks that enable seamless collaboration between designers and developers.

This is afull- 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 while establishing clear 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 proven track record leading 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

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive complex projects to completion, and influence organizational strategy

• Demonstrated ability 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 and maintain a DOD 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

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or related discipline

• Significant experience in 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 portfolio demonstrating leadership 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 - $226,900.00

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 .