Senior Structural Project Engineer

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 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.What You’ll Be DoingProvide 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 personnelAssess 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 symposiaMaintain authoritative expertise in the development, analysis, and verification of space structures, thorough knowledge of structural design criteria in combination with structural test methodsIdentify, evaluate, and resolve issues/anomalies/challenges related to launch and space vehicle structuresMinimum RequirementsWhat You Need to be SuccessfulBachelor’s degree in STEM field12 years or more years showing progressively increased responsibilityExperience leading cross-organization teams through all phases of product executionExpert knowledge in the failure mechanics of metallic and composite hardware associated with typical manufacturing and processing issuesExpert 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 timeAbility 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. How You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:Advanced degree in engineering with a focus in structural and/or solid mechanics or a closely related fieldExperience collaborating across the contractor product lines and industry working groupsTechnical 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 assessmentWelded joint mechanical properties and analysisNondestructive inspection criteria developmentBonded and/or bolted joint failure criteria and analysis methodologiesComposite structure failure criteria and analysis methodologyProbabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantificationStructural stability margin assessmentExperience in the following areas:Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysisFormulation and/or assessment of qualification test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria using a building block approach leading up to full-scale testReal-time monitoring of test execution and evaluation of test resultsWe offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.(Min - Max)$151,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:Operate StrategicallyLead Change   Engage with Impact   Foster Innovation   Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:Comprehensive health care and wellness plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.Equal Opportunity CommitmentThe Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.