Senior Project Engineer, Product Experience Design and Integration

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 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 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

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