Launch Structures 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 Launch Structures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD and seeks a Launch Structures Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist) well-qualified individual 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. The Launch Structures Section has insight into the additively manufactured metallic and composite structures being developed across the industry for the next generation of launch vehicles and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo CA. or Chantilly VA. requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What Youll Be Doing

• Resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges via detailed structural assessment of launch vehicle hardware including stage tanks interstage structures engine thrust structures and payload accommodation components

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

• Contribute to increased agility in the mission assurance process of assessing structural integrity and survivability by recognizing and understanding the varying risk postures of different programs and actively monitoring evolving priorities

• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of launch vehicle hardware

• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design evaluation and testing of space structures:

  • Structural mechanics analysis techniques

  • Failure criteria

  • Composite design criteria

  • Fracture and fatigue

  • Damage tolerance

  • Advanced finite element analysis methods

• Communicate with 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

  • Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues

  • Keep management and customers informed of emerging risks

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Member of Technical Staff:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or a related technical field

• 3 or more years of experience in structural engineering

• Experience performing finite element analyses

• Experience in structural mechanics such as composite materials nonlinear materials plates and shells energy and finite element methods fracture and fatigue

• Willing to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance which is issued by the US citizenship is required

In addition to the requirements above the minimum requirements for an Engineering Specialist are:

• 6 years or more of experience in structural engineering

• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective

• Experience using Nastran Abaqus or other commercial finite element tools

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or a related technical field

• Proficient in structural analysis and test of composite structures

• Demonstrated ability to represent the 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

• Direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results

• Demonstrated ability to disposition hardware nonconformances

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.