Structural Technologies Section Manager

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 Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision, Vehicle Systems Division, is seeking a well-qualified individual 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 to help solve a variety of technical challenges.As the Structural Technologies Section Manager, you will lead a newly formed team focused on advanced structural analysis, AI/ML integration, tool development, and emerging technologies. You will oversee a technical team who provide direct space and launch vehicle program support while also developing methodologies and automation tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and technical leadership across the department.This position is based in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.What You’ll Be DoingLead a team of analysis specialists providing direct support to launch vehicle and spacecraft programs requiring expertise in nonlinear material behavior, explicit dynamics, progressive damage modeling, and coupled multi-physics analysisWork with program offices to identify complex structural challenges requiring advanced methodologies including plasticity, progressive damage, probabilistic analysis, and uncertainty quantificationDirect staff effort to conduct independent advanced analyses, develop innovative solutions, and provide technical consultation to hardware sections across the departmentReview and sanction the development and implementation of cutting-edge analysis methodologies, including AI/ML integration, additive manufacturing qualification, and structural optimization techniquesOversee the development and maintenance of in-house codes, automation tools, and workflow improvements that enhance department-wide efficiency and accuracyUtilize project management tools (e.g., JIRA) for tracking and prioritization of taskingProvide embedded analyst support to other sections for complex program problems, troubleshooting models, and advanced FEM techniquesFoster the development and delivery of training programs on advanced analysis methods, probabilistic techniques, explicit dynamics, AI/ML, and emerging technologiesCreate technical memoranda, best practice guides, and validation documentation to disseminate knowledge across the departmentConduct line management functions including staffing, mentoring, establishing technical direction and standards, allocating staff support, performing administrative duties, and communicating with upper management regarding technical and programmatic issuesDevelop staff by increasing their technical/functional abilities and knowledge through challenging work assignments, mentoring, training opportunities, and regularly providing high-quality feedbackBuild a collaborative culture that balances technical excellence with program responsiveness, while maintaining innovation focusManage workload prioritization and capacity planning to meet competing demands from multiple programs and development initiativesMinimum RequirementsWhat You Need to be Successful Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, or related STEM field5 years of experience in structural design, finite element analysis, and test methodologiesDemonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent working relations with customers and contractor personnelProven ability to lead cross-discipline technical teams and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated ability to clearly present complex technical assessments to senior and customer leadershipCapability to manage and triage multiple high-priority tasksThis 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:Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, or related STEM field8 years of experience in structural design, finite element analysis, and test methodologiesDemonstrated project, program, and people leadership experienceFamiliarity with project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, etc.)Demonstrated ability in applied engineering principles (i.e., direct launch or space vehicle hardware experience)Expertise in finite element analysis techniques, material characterization, and structural test techniquesExperience in developing risk assessments for space and launch vehiclesExpertise in explicit dynamic analysis (LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit) for impact, blast, or collision scenariosExperience with AI/ML applications in engineeringKnowledge of metallic and/or composite progressive damage analysis, including development or validation of modelsBackground in additive manufacturing qualification, including design for AM, topology optimization, and property developmentExperience with in-house code development, including Abaqus/Nastran user subroutinesKnowledge of structural optimization techniques (topology, size, shape optimization)Knowledge of structural standards (AIAA S-110, NASA-STD-5020, SMC-S-016, etc.)Active TS and/or SCI security clearanceWe 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)$134,200.00 - $201,300.00Pay 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.