Space Vehicle and Electronic Component Structural 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 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 Component Analysis and Space Structures (CASS) section is within the Structures Department of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Space Vehicle and Electronic Component Structural Engineer (Engineering Specialist/ Senior Engineering Specialist - 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. The CASS section has insight into the structural integrity of space vehicle hardware of all sizes being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform customer decisions. Hardware includes composite and metallic bus panels and joints, solar arrays, antennas of all types, electronic assemblies and electronic components.

What You'll 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.
• Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for electronics components and spacecraft structures, and coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes
• Lead technical teams to identify issues, prioritize tasks, and communicate with management and customers
• Proactively inform management and customers of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action. Coordinate with inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers to resolve technical issues
• Serve as senior mentor for the development of early career staff, providing technical guidance and insight.  Conduct peer reviews of technical products and findings. 
• Maintain authoritative expertise in the development, analysis, and verification of electronic packaging and space structures, leveraging thorough knowledge of structural design criteria and structural test methods 

 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• 8 years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering
• Experience performing finite element analyses
• Experience in structural mechanics such as elasticity, plasticity, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy methods, finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue
• Experience with the design, qualification, and testing of aerospace structural components and systems
• Initiates development of advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for subsystems
• Ability to support multiple programs/activities simultaneously
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), domestically or internationally
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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

• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering
• Experience as an organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
• Experience acting as focal point for technical standards and risk assessment approaches; engages in frequent interaction with contractors via review boards, technical interchange meetings, and planning meetings
  

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• Proficiency with the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of spacecraft structural systems, such as electronic assemblies, electronic components, antennas, composite panels, sandwich panels and solar arrays
• Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: microelectronics durability, thermostructural analysis methodologies, fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (both due to thermal and vibration loads), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and non-linear finite element analysis
• 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 
• Proven capabilities in mentoring less experienced staff in multiple areas of structural engineering, providing orientation, technical guidance, and development insight
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with both internal and external customers providing technical support, acting as a technical authority, consultant, and/or primary investigator
• Proficient with NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA or other commercial finite element tools, and direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results
• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective  

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)

$117,300.00 - $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.