Structural Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

17h•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 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 Structural Dynamics and Environments Department is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). Our mission is to provide to our internal and external customers the highest quality technical expertise in the areas of analytical, experimental, flexible, and rigid body dynamics for the design, development, acquisition, and operation of space launch and orbital systems. We specialize in spacecraft and launch vehicle dynamics; mode survey test planning and independent data assessment; time series data analysis; independent integrated spacecraft/launch vehicle coupled loads analysis; and flexible system separation analysis and testing. This position is 100% on-site based in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
Eight years experience in structural dynamics or similar field
Experience with finite-element model development techniques and software
Knowledge of classical vibration and transient response analysis theory
Sound knowledge of Linear Algebra and its application in structural dynamic computations
Prior experience with leading teams or performing project management roles
Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately ~5%, as required
This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
12 years of total experience in structural dynamics or similar field
Experience in mode survey or other dynamic testing

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field with related coursework in structural dynamics
Experience with high frequency data acquisition and signal processing
Knowledge of component-mode synthesis techniques and finite-element analysis programs, especially experience with Nastran and DMAP programming
Project management or team lead experience related to development of computational analysis tools and maintenance of finite-element analysis best practices/methodologies

Responsibilities

Perform structural dynamic analyses and evaluations of launch vehicle and spacecraft loads for all phases of flight
Develop simulation tools and processes to solve structural dynamics problems
Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to develop recommendations to improve loads analysis methods
Plan and oversee the execution of mode survey testing for various launch vehicle and space vehicle components, including test data quality verification and finite element model correlation to test data
Conduct analyses and investigations to solve a broad range of structural dynamics problems requiring advanced treatment and/or coordination within the department and other technical disciplines
Provide technical support and expertise to program offices and external customers in the discipline of structural dynamics

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