Senior Space & Launch Systems Structural Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future space systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly integration test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance navigation and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD is seeking a well-qualified individual to serve as a Senior Space & Launch Systems Structural Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in solid mechanics practical experience in structural analysis using both hand calculations and finite element analysis techniques a passion for the space industry and a desire to apply their expertise and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. The Structures Department has insight into the structural integrity of launch vehicles spacecraft hypersonic technologies liquid rocket engines solid rocket motors pressurized structural systems electronic components and thermal protection systems being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.

This is a full-time position that requires 4 days on-site in El Segundo CA.

What Youll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for U.S. Space Force U.S. Air Force and NRO missions to assure structural integrity. Typical tasks include independent analyses and assessments hardware reviews review and evaluation of stress analysis reports evaluation of flight data and investigation of flight and test anomalies.

• Lead and coordinate technical studies across organizational personnel

• Assess program risk and advise program office and customers during certification development and/or operational phases of programs

• Serve as senior mentor for the development of early career staff providing technical guidance and insight. Conduct peer reviews of technical products and findings.

• Act as the organizations lead representative at technical meetings presentations and symposia

• Maintain authoritative expertise in the development analysis and verification of space structures thorough knowledge of structural design criteria in combination with structural test methods

• Identify evaluate and resolve issues/anomalies/challenges related to space vehicle structures

• Publish clarifications insights and guidance on technical topics to assist industry in enhancing mission assurance practices or advancing the state-of-practice in structural verification and validation

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in a STEM related field

• Ten years of experience in structural engineering with a background in failure mechanics of metallic and composite hardware associated with typical manufacturing and processing issues

• Experience using Nastran Abaqus Ansys or other commercial finite element tools

• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 20 percent of the time

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in engineering with a focus in structural and/or solid mechanics or a closely related field

• Experience collaborating across the contractor product lines and industry working groups

• Technical proficiency in several of the following areas:

• Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue Analysis (Damage Tolerance/Safe Life Analysis and Fracture Control)

• Additive manufacturing design integration evaluation and assessment

• Welded joint mechanical properties and analysis

• Nondestructive inspection criteria development

• Bonded and/or bolted joint failure criteria and analysis methodologies

• Composite structure failure criteria and analysis methodology

• Probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification

• Structural stability margin assessment

• Experience in the following areas: Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysism formulation and/or assessment of qualification test plans procedures objectives and success criteria using a building block approach leading up to full-scale test and/or real-time monitoring of test execution and evaluation of test results

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

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 otherthe 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 equalopportunity 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.