Director, Structures Department

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 systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly integration and 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 VSD is the technical backbone behind the nations most critical launch spacecraft and missile programs supporting both launch vehicles/spacecraft for National Security missions layered defense Human Spaceflight and in-space servicing assembly and manufacturing; and beyond.

As Director youll lead 50 engineers and scientists spanning structural analysis dynamics and advanced technology development driving mission assurance and innovation across the space and defense enterprise. This is a chance to shape the future of structural engineering from AI/ML-accelerated analysis to hypersonics extreme environments and next-generation spacecraft structures.

What Youll Be Doing

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team delivering structural design analysis and test solutions across launch vehicles spacecraft missile systems and emerging missions
• Own department strategy staffing budget performance management and technical direction across core capability areas: launch/space structures thermostructures engine structural integrity and advanced concepts
• Champion innovation advancing AI/ML integration GPU-accelerated analysis physics-informed machine learning and digital modernization of legacy tools and methods
• Serve as authoritative technical voice on structural verification risk assessment and mission assurance for programs ranging from routine operations to high-risk rapid-acquisition efforts
• Build and sustain strong relationships with government and commercial customers program offices and cross-functional teams to expand influence and secure new business
• Mentor engineering talent and cultivate a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning
• Review and approve technical products standards contributions and customer-facing deliverables

This position is based in El Segundo CA with consideration for Chantilly VA and requires at least 4 days onsite.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering Physics or related field
• 10 years of experience in aerospace structural or mechanical engineering
• Proven people management experience hiring mentoring performance management
• Strong track record building relationships with government/aerospace customers and technical stakeholders
• Willingness to travel and work off-hours as needed (10%)
• Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain an SCI which is issued by the US citizenship is required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in structural/solid mechanics or aerospace engineering
• Proven leadership across core structural disciplines: fracture mechanics & fatigue composite failure analysis bonded/bolted joints additive manufacturing probabilistic analysis and coupled loads analysis
• Experience supporting high-priority mission areas: hypersonics missile defense human spaceflight or on-orbit servicing (ISAM)
• Demonstrated success driving innovation AI/ML applications digital engineering or advanced modeling techniques
• History of managing managers and senior technical staff
• Active engagement with universities industry standards bodies or technical partnerships
• Familiarity with governing standards (AIAA-S series NASA-STD SMC-S CMH-17)

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.