Director, Structures Department
About The Position
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 Structures Department within VSD is the technical backbone behind the nation's 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, you'll 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.
Requirements
- Bachelor's 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 government.
- US citizenship is required.
Nice To Haves
- 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)
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
