Launch Structures Project Leader

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4d•$120,800 - $181,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Vehicle Systems Division is seeking a Launch Structures Project Leader for its Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision. The department assesses the structural integrity of launch vehicles, spacecraft, hypersonic technologies, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, pressurized structural systems, and thermal protection systems, and provides technical assessments to inform government customer decisions. The role calls for a strong foundation in solid mechanics and practical experience in structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element analysis, applied to a variety of aerospace technical challenges. The position is based in El Segundo, California, and requires at least four days onsite. The successful candidate will lead structural engineering work, evaluate and resolve design and test issues, coordinate analysis and testing, provide technical recommendations to management and customers, and help develop team members. The role requires occasional domestic or international travel, approximately 20%. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain that clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering.
Experience performing finite element analyses.
Experience in structural mechanics, including 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.
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, approximately 20%, domestically or internationally.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 8 years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering.
Proficiency in the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of aerospace structural systems, such as launch vehicles, spacecraft, hypersonic technologies, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, pressurized systems, and thermal protection systems.
Technical proficiency in several areas such as pressurized systems, including failure criteria, material characterization, and progressive damage analysis; thermostructural analysis methodologies; fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, including damage tolerance, safe life analysis, and fracture control; nondestructive inspection criteria; probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification; and structural buckling or stability margin assessment.
Ability to represent structural physics during analysis idealization and translate results into a conclusive assessment.
Ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams.
Extensive Space Enterprise experience, including interpreting and applying structural standards such as AIAA S-110, S-080A, S-081B, SSC-S-016, and SSC-S-025, and familiarity with mission assurance processes.
Experience mentoring less experienced staff in structural engineering, including providing orientation, technical guidance, and development insight.
Ability to work independently with internal and external customers, providing technical support and acting as a technical authority, consultant, or primary investigator.
Proficiency 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.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for launch vehicle and spacecraft structures, and coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes.
Develop design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications, and assess structural and mechanical designs and development plans across multiple design phases.
Develop and coordinate structural test plans, procedures, and success criteria.
Lead technical teams to identify issues, prioritize tasks, and communicate with management and customers.
Mentor staff and develop design criteria, requirements, and specifications for structural hardware.
Monitor and assist with budget and resource allocation development; determine scope of work and coordinate with relevant disciplines.
Proactively inform management and customers of perceived technical problems, recommend courses of action, and coordinate with inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers to resolve technical issues.
Maintain and advance structural mechanics analysis skills, including composite materials and finite element analysis methods.
Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefings and reports.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
Flexible spending accounts.
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional growth and development programs.
Education assistance programs.
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.