Thermostructures Engineer

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 ofhighly-trainedmechanical and aerospace engineers VSD provides nationalexpertisein 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 Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Thermostructures Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Senior Member of Technical Staff) - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering with 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.

This is a full-time onsiteposition based in El Segundo CA. with consideration in Huntsville AL. Chantilly VA. or Hill Air Force Base UT.

What Youll Be Doing

• Evaluate the design analysis and test methodologies related to aerospace thermostructural technologies such as liquid rocket engines solid rocket motors launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields and/or hypersonic systems; sub-components typically include composites solid propellant joints seals igniters valves turbopumps and nozzles

• Offer technical consultation to management customers contractors and government organizations in formulating and assessing test plans procedures objectives and success criteria

• Develop and assess design and analysis criteria requirements and specifications for aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development qualification and acceptance of aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design evaluation and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies; skills include expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques failure criteria composite design criteria fracture and fatigue damage tolerance concept ideation and development and advanced finite element analysis methods

• Communicate with both inter-organizational personnel program offices and customers when necessary to scope plan and resolve technical issues

• Coordinate with technical experts at contractor facilities to address and resolve concerns of emerging risks

• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues

• Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefing and reports

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements for theThermostructuresEngineer (Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering):

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or a related technical field

• Two (2) years or more of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering

• Experience performing finite element analyses

• Experience or coursework in structural mechanics such asmetallic andcomposite materialsnonlinear materials plates and shells energy and finite element methods fracture and fatigue

• Experience with the design qualification and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Strong attention to detail and time management skills

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complicated subjects in a simple and cogent manner to decision makers

• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%) domestically or internationally

• Ability to obtain andmaintaina securityclearance which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isto obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above theminimumrequirements for the Thermostructures Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering)include:

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or a related technical field

• Three (3) or more years of total increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:

• Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or a related technical field

• Proficiency with the design qualification and nonconformance assessment of aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Technicalproficiencyin several of the following areas:ablative composite technology (failure criteria material characterization and erosion and progressive damage analysis)fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (damage tolerance/safelife analysis and fracture control)nondestructive inspection criteria probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification and structural stability margin assessment

• Demonstrated ability torepresentthe physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage and to translate results into a conclusive assessment

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams

• Proficient withLS-DYNANASTRAN Abaqus or other commercial finite element tools anddirect experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results

• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective