Senior Structural Mechanics Integration Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s 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, you’ll 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 Structural Mechanics Integration Office is building an elite team of problem-solvers who thrive at the intersection of technical excellence and strategic impact. We're looking for exceptional engineers who can bridge disciplines, navigate complexity, and drive innovation on the most challenging structural mechanics problems in aerospace.

As a Senior Structural Mechanics Integration Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering) in the Structural Mechanics Integration Office, you will join a team of engineers, working across our Structural Mechanics Subdivision and programs, to develop multi-disciplinary solutions to the hardest structural mechanics related problems in the industry. You will have the unique opportunity to create clarity and produce integrated products and solutions across The Aerospace Corporation’s entire portfolio, while also expanding subdivision capabilities. 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite. Additional locations to consider are Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Albuquerque, NM.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Connect emerging issues and programs with subdivision capabilities, managing joint decision processes, and advocating for strategic technical priorities across functional, security, and subject matter boundaries

• Create and lead ad-hoc cross-disciplinary teams to develop solutions  that address shortcomings in processes, products, and data flows

• Maintain awareness of capabilities across functional departments and foster opportunities to apply and grow those capabilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external customers and contractors, represent subdivision equities across all stages of program acquisitions and advocate for deeper involvement where appropriate

• Maintain technical depth in structural mechanics related focus area and implement capabilities in select instances where appropriate

• Independently identify technical needs and solutions for problems that arise during hardware developmental and operational phases, including identification of root cause for anomalies

• Maintain the requirements, technical supporting data, and rationale for SSC-S-016

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in a structural mechanics related STEM field or equivalent

• 10 or more years of experience in multiple aerospace structural mechanics disciplines

• Experience with space and/or launch vehicle contractors

• Proven track record of delivering impactful outcomes on national security space programs is required

• Willing to occasionally travel domestically to support customer needs, approximately ~10% (as required) 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance, which is 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 a structural mechanics related STEM field or equivalent

• 15 or more years of experience in cross-disciplinary structural mechanics roles

• Prior experience in a technical or programmatic team management role

• Active Top Secret with SCI and/or SAP access security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll 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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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 other—the 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 equal opportunity 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, color, religion, genetic information, 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 you’re 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 email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.