Structural Systems 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 Structural Systems Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD and seeks a Structural Systems Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff/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 Structural Systems Section has insight into the critical pressure components being utilized across the industry for the next generation of launch vehicles and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.

This full-time position requires on-site work at least four days per week, with flexibility based on business needs. The position is based in El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Space vehicle pressurized systems and propulsion systems, including pressure vessels, lines/fittings, manifolds, valves, bellows, and separation systems

• 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 launch and space structures

• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of launch and space structures

• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of launch and space structures

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

• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues

• Keep management and customers informed of emerging risks

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

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Member of Technical Staff:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field

• 5 or more years of professional or academic experience in structural engineering

• Experience performing finite element analyses

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

• Willingness 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 government. US citizenship is required

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

• 8 years of experience or more in structural engineering

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

• Design, qualification, and nonconformance assessment of pressurized systems including:

  • Stage Tanks

  • Pressure Vessels

  • Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels

  • Lines/Fittings, Flares, Bellows, Valves, and Manifolds

• Technical proficiency in several of the following areas:

  • Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue Analysis (Damage Tolerance/Safe Life Analysis and Fracture Control)

  • Additive manufacturing design integration, evaluation, and assessment

  • Welded joint mechanical properties and analysis

  • Nondestructive inspection criteria development

  • Bonded and/or bolted joint failure criteria and analysis methodologies

  • Composite structure failure criteria and analysis methodology

  • Probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification

  • Structural stability margin assessment

• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective

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

• Hands-on work which could include design, build, manufacturing and test of flight hardware

• Proficient with Nastran, Abaqus, or other commercial finite element tools

• Direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results

• Demonstrated ability to disposition hardware nonconformances

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)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00

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.