Careers
AeroAstro Inc., founded in 1988, is an internationally recognized leader in the development of highly miniaturized, low-cost spacecraft and is entering an exciting growth period. The company employs about 75, primarily in Ashburn VA, Albuquerque NM, and Denver CO, who work in a small, friendly, informal atmosphere where blue jeans and sharp employee peers are the norm. One of the motivations behind AeroAstro's founding was to provide a work environment that caters to smart, innovative, and aggressive people. That philosophy continues today. You don’t need to wear a tie at AeroAstro, you won’t punch a time clock and you won’t fill out forms to buy a pencil or any other tools that you need. Instead, you will be given authority, responsibility, and demanding, interesting, and diverse tasks the likes of which bigger aerospace firms won’t give you until you’ve "paid the dues" their bureaucracy demands. At AeroAstro, you will be a direct influence on the success and direction of our company. Salary for each of our positions will be commensurate with the individual's experience and will include a fringe benefit program with health, dental, vision, life insurance, sabbatical, and 401-K.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE HIRE
- Business Operations Associate[view job description]
- Principal Systems Engineer[view job description]
- Senior Program Manager[view job description]
- Senior Integration and Test Engineer[view job description]
- Electrical Engineer (Denver)[view job description]
- Associate Electrical Engineer (Denver)[view job description]
- Senior RF Electrical Engineer (Denver)[view job description]
- Senior Program Controller[view job description]
- Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer[view job description]
- Guidance, Navigational and Control Engineer[view job description]
OTHER POSITIONS AVAILABLE
- Senior Mechanical Engineer/Analyst[view job description]
- Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms and Mechanical Designer[view job description]
- Integration and Test Systems Engineer - Lead[view job description]
- Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer[view job description]
Business Operations Associate
AeroAstro, an internationally recognized leader in the development of small low cost spacecraft and communications systems, is seeking a Business Operations Associate at our Ashburn, VA facility to support operations activities within the company's Communications and Signals Systems Group.
We are looking for someone who is a bright and motivated analytical thinker, detail oriented with a great positive work ethic who understands what working for an entrepreneurial company means. The ideal candidate is someone who is highly-organized, can multi-task easily, can jump right in and can work in a fast-paced environment with little oversight. This person will play a critical role in the operations team for the Business area.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Overall accountability of all aspect of Sale Order Process including but not limited to: Order Entry, Order fulfillment, invoicing, and some level of Quality assurance
- Problem solving regarding Operations and workflow issues, Resolving day to day issues
- Tracking and reporting Sales Orders on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis to Management
- Maintain a high level and effective customer service for all internal and external customers
- Conduct inventory analysis and coordinate with sales to ensure product availability
- Provide feedback within Operations and Sales insuring all customers have accurate and timely information on order status and/or changes
- Develop and provide Training Materials for existing and new products within the business line
- Assist in implementation of enhancements to products and releases
- Assists with analysis of application or process effectiveness and efficiencies
- Assist in Quotes, SOW, requirements definition on large orders and custom applications
Qualifications:
- Degree in Business or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 2+ years prior administration, finance, or business operations experience
- Excellent prioritization and multi tasking skills
- Team player, self-starter, and independent worker
- Experience analyzing preparing sales and financial data
- Experience in, and understanding of, Process Management, Inventory Control, Accounting process, and Quality Assurance in a fulfillment and service environment
- Must have good Judgment and Common Sense Approach to Business
- Excellent problem-solving skills in all areas of responsibility
- Clear oral and written communicator regarding expectations, issues, and feedback
- Proven experience working with all levels of employees and management
- Intermediate to Advanced proficiency in applications such as the Internet Explorer and Firfox, MS Office Suite (emphasis on Excel and Powerpoint)
- Experience and knowledge of installing hardware/software, web based applications
- Must have a "can do" attitude with a sense of urgency and dedication to the success of the overall business mission
- Strong customer service skills
Principal Systems Engineer
AeroAstro, an internationally recognized leader in the development of advanced micro-spacecraft, spacecraft subsystem products, and innovative communications solutions, is seeking a self-motivated, experienced space systems engineer to lead engineering efforts on present and future spacecraft development programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in every phase of space system development, including mission development, requirements/interface specification, initial design, detailed design and analyses, assembly, integration, testing, launch support, and on-orbit operations.
Requirements for this position include:
- A BS in a related engineering discipline (MS preferred)
- Minimum of five years of hands-on experience working on spacecraft development programs, preferably in a lead systems engineering role
- In-depth knowledge and experience with at least one spacecraft subsystem; working knowledge of all others
- Experience with clean room and ESD procedures
- Working knowledge of C and test scripting software languages
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Proven team leadership ability
- Good general computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office and internet applications
- Security clearance at the Secret level or higher is desirable
Compensation package includes a highly competitive salary and other unique benefits, including paid sabbatical. Interest and attitude are critical, and applicants should describe theirs with specific examples in their cover letter.
Senior Program Manager
AeroAstro, an internationally recognized leader in the development of advanced micro-spacecraft, spacecraft subsystem products, and innovative communications solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager of government, civil, and international programs to be a part of our exciting future at our Ashburn, VA headquarters. The ideal candidate will be an organized leader with proven team management capabilities, eager to lead cutting-edge spacecraft and/or spacecraft technology projects. The successful applicant must also possess an entrepreneurial small company spirit.
Job requirements include:
- A BS or higher in a relevant technical field. Spacecraft design/development experience is a major plus
- At least 5 years experience in technical management, including development of program plans, labor and material resource plans, budgets, and schedules
- A history of success in managing programs for the Department of Defense, NASA, or other government agencies
- Experience with government Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs and DFARs)
- Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills
- General computer skills including the use of MS Project and Microsoft Office applications
- Security clearance at the Secret level or higher is desirable
Compensation package includes a highly competitive salary and other unique benefits, including paid sabbatical. Interest and attitude are critical, and applicants should describe theirs with specific examples in their cover letter.
Senior Integration and Test Engineer
- Support electrical I&T activities for satellite programs
- Perform a wide variety of electrical engineer I&T related tasks, including GSE setup, test and troubleshooting, box level electrical integration, testing and troubleshooting, system level integration, testing and troubleshooting
- Develop spacecraft integration and test procedures
- Design cables and other test hardware. Review designs for compatibility with spacecraft systems
- Develop ground support equipment checkout and maintenance procedures
- Develop spacecraft test scripts based on input from subsystem engineers
- Support all phases of I&T, including initial build-up and test, system level and integration and test, through satellite launch
- Position may require shift/weekend work, occasional travel to prime contractor site or launch site
Skills Needed:
- Experience with hardware test environment
- The ability to troubleshoot electronic spacecraft components and subsystems
- Hands on knowledge and extensive experience with the use of a wide variety of test equipment including, but not limited to oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters, RF test equipment, and logic analyzers.
- Proficiency in computer related software as it relates to automated test and documentation (MS Office, Visio or equivalent, scripting languages)
Required Minimum Qualifications/Education/Experience:
- BSEE and 2+ years of experience in satellite or aerospace related integration and test.
Electrical Engineer (Denver)
AeroAstro is currently seeking an Electrical Engineer with broad experience in designing, fabricating, and testing RF sensor systems for ground-to-ground and ground-to-space applications. This opportunity is in our Denver, CO office.
Requirements for this position include:
- 5 to 7 years experience with a minimum of BSEE required, MSEE desired
- Hands on experience with laboratory equipment and circuit level prototyping required
- Familiarity with RF Circuits required
- Experience with analog and digital circuit design required
- Design familiarity with microcontroller systems desired
- Ability to write low level microcode desired
- Oral and writing communication skill are required with familiarity of Microsoft Office products
- Active security clearance desired
- Must be eligible to receive DoD clearance
AeroAstro's Communications and Sensor Systems group is experiencing rapid growth. A successful candidate requires a drive to succeed and extraordinary technical skill and knowledge; this is very much a hands-on position. The RF Sensor Engineer reports to the VP of Engineering.
Associate Electrical Engineer (Denver)
AeroAstro is currently seeking an associate Electrical Engineer with broad experience in designing, fabricating, and testing industrial products for our Communications and Signal Systems group. This position is in our Denver, CO office.
Requirements for this position include:
- 2 to 5 years experience with a minimum of BSEE required
- Hands on experience with laboratory equipment and circuit level prototyping required
- Familiarity RF Circuit analysis desired
- Knowledge with analog and digital circuit design required
- Familiarity with microprocessor integration and low level coding desired
- Oral and writing communication skill are required with familiarity of Microsoft Office products
AeroAstro's Communications and Signal Systems group is experiencing rapid growth. A successful candidate requires a drive to succeed and extraordinary technical skill and knowledge; this is very much a hands-on position. This position will report to the VP of Engineering. Applicants must be prepared to work autonomously, defining and meeting long-term project goals without extensive supervision.
Senior RF Electrical Engineer (Denver)
AeroAstro is currently seeking a Senior RF Sensor Engineer with broad experience in designing, fabricating, and testing RF sensor systems for ground-to-ground and ground-to-space applications. This position is located at AeroAstro's satellite office in Littleton CO and Local candidates will be given first consideration.
Requirements for this position include:
- Recent security clearance required
- 5 to 10 years experience with a minimum of BSEE required, MSEE desired.
- Hands on experience with laboratory equipment and circuit level prototyping required
- Familiarity with RF Circuit analysis required; CAD programs desired
- Design familiarity with microcontroller systems desired
- Familiarity with electromagnetic phenomena and signaling technology is desired
- Oral and writing communication skill are required with familiarity of Microsoft Office products
AeroAstro's Communications and Sensor Systems group is experiencing rapid growth. A successful candidate requires a drive to succeed and extraordinary technical skill and knowledge; this is very much a hands-on position. Applicants must be prepared to work autonomously, defining and meeting long-term project goals without extensive supervision. They should also enjoy mentoring younger engineers and working on a number of diverse projects simultaneously.
Senior Program Controller
AeroAstro is currently seeking a Senior Program Controller to support program planning, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting functions for a variety of DoD and civil space programs in the Space business group at our Ashburn, VA headquarters.
Requirements for this position include:
- A minimum of 5 years experience in program planning and budget control of DoD programs
- BS or advanced degree in Finance or Accounting preferred
- Strong knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and their application to complex systems
- Knowledge and experience with Government accounting rules
- Experience in establishing cost/ schedule baselines and reporting earned value, generating EACs/ETCs, maintaining program schedules, and supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs)
- Familiarity and experience with DoD and NASA cost reporting requirements, including generating CPR, CFSR, and CSSR formats
- Knowledge/experience with MPM and wINSIGHT a plus
- Strong background and experience in MS Project and other MS Office applications
- Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and interact closely with program managers, engineers, and finance staff. The individual must be prepared to work autonomously, defining and meeting long-term goals without extensive supervision. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and includes a generous fringe benefit program.
Spacecraft Power Systems Engineer
AeroAstro, an internationally recognized leader in the development of small, low-cost spacecraft, is seeking a self-motivated electrical engineer to perform power systems design and development on present and future spacecraft development programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in every phase of power subsystem design and development, including initial power system design and analysis, assembly, integration, testing and on-orbit operations. Our headquarters office is located west of Washington, D.C. in Ashburn, VA. However, we will also consider candidates at our Albuquerque, NM or Denver, CO offices based on level of experience.
Requirements for this position include:
- A BS in Electrical Engineering (MS preferred)
- Excellent knowledge of spacecraft power system design
- Ability to size and design/specify/test solar arrays, batteries, power electronics, and other space power subsystem elements.
- Ability to perform energy balance analyses.
- Understanding of the space environment and design impacts
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working with space hardware.
- Experience with Earned Value Management a plus
- Experience with clean room and ESD procedures
- Current security clearance is a plus
- Excellent written and presentation skills
- Good general computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office and internet applications
Guidance, Navigational and Control Engineer
AeroAstro, is seeking an experienced, self-motivated engineer to work on current and future spacecraft attitude determination and control systems and navigation systems at our Ashburn, Virginia office.
Requirements for this position include:
- BS or higher in Engineering or Physics (MS or PhD in GNC strongly preferred)
- 2 plus years of hands-on experience working with spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control hardware and software
- Previous experience with spacecraft dynamics and control theory and algorithm development
- Experience in development and modification of computer models and simulation of spacecraft attitude control performance
- Knowledge of C and Matlab
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to interact comfortably with customers in a team environment
- Good general computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office and internet applications
- A small company attitude, where helping the company succeed however one comes first
Compensation package includes a highly competitive salary and stock options. Applications are directly handled by AeroAstro's Vice President of Engineering.
Senior Mechanical Engineer/Analyst
AeroAstro is currently seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to participate in the design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft structures at headquarters office located West of Washington, D.C. in Ashburn, VA. However, we will also consider candidates at our Albuquerque, NM or Denver, CO offices based on level of experience.
Requirements for this position include:
- BS degree or higher in Mechanical, civil or Aerospace Engineering, with 5-8 years of experience designing, analyzing and testing spacecraft structures
- Strong knowledge of stress and deflection analysis of structural systems, using strength of materials hand calculations and NASTRAN finite element analysis software is required
- Experience should include the assessment of failure mechanisms such as rupture, yield, buckling, fatigue and fracture.
- Experience with the design and analysis of joints containing mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welds, and composite/metallic interfaces is desired.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing techniques and typical aerospace materials; specific experience with the design and analysis of composites preferred.
- Design experience with knowledge of CAD desired, with SolidWorks experience preferred. Knowledge of FEMAP, Matlab, and Mathcad a plus.
A successful candidate will be able to lead a project team and independently perform computations/analyses, prepare and make presentations and document results in technical reports. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and also includes generous stock and fringe benefit programs including: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401-K.
Integration and Test Systems Engineer - Lead
AeroAstro, an internationally recognized leader in the development of small, low-cost spacecraft, is seeking a self-motivated, highly experienced engineer to perform systems engineering on present and future spacecraft development programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in every phase of spacecraft development including: mission design, architecture and interface definition, requirements analysis and allocation, specification development, conceptual design, detailed design and analysis, assembly, integration and test (I&T), launch integration, and on-orbit operations.
Requirements for this position include:
- A BS in Engineering (MS preferred)
- Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience working with spacecraft systems and hardware
- Solid Integration and Test (I&T) experience
- In-depth knowledge and experience with at least one spacecraft subsystem; working knowledge of all others
- Proven capability in systems engineering discipline, including requirements definition, decomposition and flowdown, and verification
- Proven ability to author and review engineering documents including drawings and specifications, ICDs, test plans and procedures, engineering analyses and reports, and review packages
- Knowledge of all key space system interfaces, including intra-component and subsystem, launch vehicle, payload/experiment, and ground systems
- Familiarity with DOORS is desired
- Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Compensation package includes a highly competitive salary, and unique benefits including paid sabbatical.
Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
AeroAstro, an internationally recognized leader in the development of small, high-performance spacecraft, is seeking an experienced, self-motivated engineer to work on current and future spacecraft. Our headquarters office is located west of Washington, D.C. in Ashburn, VA. Compensation package includes a highly competitive salary and stock options.
Requirements for this position include:
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
- 7-10 years of experience performing spacecraft/satellite thermal design and analysis
- Experience with TSS, Thermal Desktop, or THERMICA required
- Experience with SINDA/G or SINDA/FLUINT required
- Experience with FORTRAN required
- FEMAP experience desired
- Lead Thermal Engineer experience desiged
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with productivity tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
The successful candidate will have a mixture of component level, board/box level, and system level thermal design and analysis experience. Candidate must be knowledgable of spacecraft thermal environmental parameters and their orbits. Candidate must be knowledgeable of analyzing and evaluating thermal paths and performance through thermal modeling software and through hand calculations. Thermal Control System hardware knowledge and implementation is required, including: thermostats, strip heaters, optical and emissive coatings, heat pipes, TECs, and MLI Blanket design and construction. Practical experience with correlating thermal models to test data is required.
Desired skills include: System level model correlation and thermal system performance evaluation. Hands-on experience with Thermal Vaccum/Thermal Balance testing techniques and testing preparation (GSE, procedures, thermal predictions of the test article in thermal chamber, etc.). Lead thermal engineering experience, documenting design and analysis work and presenting results to the customer. Able to mentor junior engineers.
Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms and Mechanical Designer
AeroAstro is currently seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer to participate in the design and analysis of spacecraft mechanisms and box-level components at our headquarters office located West of Washington, D.C. in Ashburn, VA. However, we will also consider candidates at our Albuquerque, NM or Denver, CO offices based on level of experience. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and also includes generous stock and fringe benefit programs including; Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401-K.
Requirements for this position include:
- BS degree or higher in Mechanical, Civil or Aerospace Engineering, with 5-8 years of experience designing spacecraft structures, components and mechanisms.
- Strong knowledge of mechanisms for spacecraft applications including hinges, booms, and restraint & release devices.
- Strong knowledge of the design and analysis of box-level mechanical assemblies for spacecraft applications.
- Experience with aerospace manufacturing techniques and typical aerospace materials desired.
- Experience interfacing with vendors and creating component & mechanism procurement specifications desired.
- Experience with a CAD software package required, with SolidWorks experience preferred. Knowledge of FEMAP, Matlab, and Mathcad a plus.
A successful candidate will be able to participate as part of and also lead a project team, independently perform computations/analyses, prepare and make presentations and document results in technical reports.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
AeroAstro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. US Citizenship is required.
Resumes should be submitted via e-mail (or fax, if necessary)with subject line
reading the job title of the desired position.
Contact Information
Human Resources
AeroAstro, Inc.
20145 Ashbrook Place
Suite 170
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-723-9851 (fax)
e-mail:jobs@aeroastro.com






