Structural/Mechanical 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.At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.The Launch Systems Operations and Development (LSOD) - Aerospace Structural Engineering - Project Engineer/Sr Project Engineer acts as senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, and team leader in evaluating launch vehicle structures and mechanical systems in support of National Security Space (NSS) missions. You’ll lead and organize interactions between the customer (Space Force/OSL), Aerospace technical staff, and contractors, and will coordinate large-scale multidisciplinary activities to support recurring operations and/or non-recurring design validation activities for launch vehicles within LSOD (e.g., Falcon, New Glenn, Starship).Work ModelThis is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA offering a Hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. What You’ll Be DoingManage structures and mechanical systems including metallic structures, composite structures, pressure vessels, separation systems, moving mechanical assemblies, actuators, and ordnanceCoordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure that launch vehicle designs, analysis, testing, and documentation are compliant with Space Force requirementsLead and facilitate collaborative efforts between the Space Force and launch vehicle providers to evaluate their operational capabilityProvide technical advice and recommendations to resolve or mitigate risk associated with structures and mechanical systems used on vehicles to launch NSS missionsEffectively communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force/OSL, and contractor teamsBuild and maintain close working relationships with the Aerospace team, Space Force counterparts, contractors, and representatives from other government agenciesWork with management to develop resource allocations plans and schedulesWhat You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer - Aerospace Structural Engineering Minimum Requirements:M.S. in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field from a recognized institution7 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibilityExperience with design and testing of structures and/or mechanical systemsMust have experience coordinating and/or participating in multi-disciplinary technical effortsExtensive knowledge of structures and/or mechanical systems engineering standardsWilling to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approximately 25% of the timeThis position requires 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.What You Need to be Successful – Sr Project Engineer - Aerospace Structural Engineering Minimum Requirements:M.S. in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field from a recognized institution12 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibilityExperience with design and testing of structures and mechanical systems Must have experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical team effortsExtensive knowledge of structures and mechanical systems engineering standardsWilling to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approximately 25% of the timeThis position requires 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.How You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:PhD degree in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics from a recognized institutionExperience with testing/analysis of structures and mechanical systems used on launch vehiclesExperience with systems engineering and verification of requirementsKnowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes for both recurring operations and non-recurring design validationWe 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)$117,300 - $226,900Pay 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 diverse 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 Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.