Launch Structures Project Leader

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

3d•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, providing technical assessments to inform government customer decisions. The role requires a strong foundation in solid mechanics, practical structural analysis experience using hand calculations and finite element analysis, and an interest in applying technical expertise to aerospace challenges. The position focuses on identifying and resolving structural design and test issues, coordinating analyses and test programs, and assessing designs and development plans throughout multiple design phases. The Project Leader leads technical teams, coordinates with customers and other organizations, mentors staff, and provides technical recommendations through briefings and reports. The role is based in El Segundo, California, and requires at least four days onsite. Occasional travel to work locations or customer sites, approximately 20%, is expected. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

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 with 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 of these areas: pressurized systems, including failure criteria, material characterization, and progressive damage analysis; thermostructural analysis methodologies; fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, including damage tolerance, safe life, and fracture control; nondestructive inspection criteria; probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification; and structural buckling and 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 experience with the Space Enterprise, including interpretation and application of structural standards such as AIAA S-110, S-080A, S-081B, SSC-S-016, and SSC-S-025, and mission assurance processes.
Experience mentoring less experienced staff in multiple areas of structural engineering, including orientation, technical guidance, and development insight.
Ability to work independently with internal and external customers, providing technical support 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.
Coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes.
Develop design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications.
Assess structural and mechanical designs and development plans during multiple design phases.
Develop and coordinate test plans, procedures, and success criteria for structural test programs.
Lead technical teams to identify issues, prioritize tasks, and communicate with management and customers.
Mentor staff and develop criteria, requirements, and specifications for structural hardware.
Monitor and assist in developing budgets and resource allocations.
Determine scope of work and coordinate with relevant disciplines.
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.
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 a company-paid benefit 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.