Thermostructures Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

30d•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 Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Thermostructures Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Senior Member of Technical Staff) - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering, with 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 Thermostructures Section has insight into liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. This is a full-time, onsite position based in El Segundo, CA, with consideration in Chantilly, VA, or Hill Air Force Base, UT.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
Two (2) years or more of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering
Experience performing finite element analyses
Experience or coursework in structural mechanics such as metallic and composite materials, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue
Experience with the design, qualification, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies
Strong attention to detail and time management skills
Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complicated subjects in a simple and cogent manner to decision makers
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
Three (3) or more years of total increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
Proficiency with the design, qualification, and nonconformance assessment of aerospace thermostructural technologies
Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: ablative composite technology (failure criteria, material characterization, and erosion and progressive damage analysis), fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (damage tolerance/safe life analysis and fracture control), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and structural stability margin assessment
Demonstrated ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment
Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams
Proficient with LS-DYNA, NASTRAN, Abaqus, 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

Evaluate the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to aerospace thermostructural technologies, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and/or hypersonic systems; sub-components typically include composites, solid propellant, joints, seals, igniters, valves, turbopumps, and nozzles
Offer technical consultation to management, customers, contractors, and government organizations in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria
Develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for aerospace thermostructural technologies
Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of aerospace thermostructural technologies
Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of aerospace thermostructural technologies
Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies; skills include expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques, failure criteria, composite design criteria, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, concept ideation and development, and advanced finite element analysis methods
Communicate with both inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers when necessary to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues
Coordinate with technical experts at contractor facilities to address and resolve concerns of emerging risks
Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues
Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefing 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 — 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