Senior Structural Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

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 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 Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD is seeking a well-qualified individual to serve as a Senior Structural Project Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). Ideal candidates will have 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 Structures Department has insight into the structural integrity of launch vehicles, spacecraft, hypersonic technologies, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, pressurized structural systems, electronic components, and thermal protection systems being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., that requires 4 days onsite.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in STEM field
12 years or more years showing progressively increased responsibility
Experience leading cross-organization teams through all phases of product execution
Expert knowledge in the failure mechanics of metallic and composite hardware associated with typical manufacturing and processing issues
Expert knowledge in stage propulsion launch and space vehicle hardware including COPVs, valves, bellows, lines, etc.
Knowledge in using Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys, or other commercial finite element tools
Willing to travel domestically approximately 20 percent of the time
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering with a focus in structural and/or solid mechanics or a closely related field
Experience collaborating across the contractor product lines and industry working groups
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
Experience in the following areas:
Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis
Formulation and/or assessment of qualification test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria using a building block approach leading up to full-scale test
Real-time monitoring of test execution and evaluation of test results

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and NRO missions to assure structural integrity. Typical tasks include independent analyses and assessments, hardware reviews, review and evaluation of stress analysis reports, evaluation of flight data, and investigation of flight and test anomalies.
Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary technical studies across organizational personnel
Assess program risk and advise program office and customers during certification, development, and/or operational phases of programs
Serve as senior mentor for the development of early career staff, providing technical guidance and insight.
Conduct peer reviews of technical products and findings.
Effectively communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments to management.
Act as the organization’s lead representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
Maintain authoritative expertise in the development, analysis, and verification of space structures, thorough knowledge of structural design criteria in combination with structural test methods
Identify, evaluate, and resolve issues/anomalies/challenges related to launch and space vehicle structures

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