Launch 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.
Job Summary
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. 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.
Our team is seeking a well-qualified individual for the Senior 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. You should have a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges.
Work Model
This is a full-time position, nominally based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. Additional locations to consider include Chantilly, VA and Colorado Springs, CO.
What You'll Be Doing

• Develop and assess design criteria, requirement, and specification for launch vehicle structures and mechanical interfaces
• Evaluate concepts for advanced launch vehicle structures, critically assess detail designs, and conduct technical studies (including independent analysis as necessary) to assure the structural integrity and stability of existing and new entrant launch vehicle hardware subject to static, dynamic and thermal loads
• Develop advance analytical and test techniques for structural design and evaluation
• Offer technical consultation and device in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives and success criteria that contribute to the construction and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of structures
• Provide real-time monitoring of test execution and contribute to the evaluation and resolution of any test issues or anomalies
• Perform critical reviews of flight hardware pedigree prior to launch and evaluate and assess all risks
• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, analysis, and testing of material and structure
• Experience in failure and composite design criteria
• Damage tolerance
• Provide timely technical recommendation to line management and customers through technical briefing and reports

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required
• A minimum of (5) years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering is required
• Experience performing finite element analyses
• Experience or coursework in structural mechanics such as composite materials, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue
• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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 Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering

• A minimum of (8) years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering is required

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 is strongly preferred
• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective
• Proficient in structural analysis and test of composite structures
• Ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment.
• Proficient with Nastran, Abaqus, or other commercial finite element tools
• 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 non-conformances

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 - $175,900
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.