Senior Space System Structural 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.
Job Summary
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 Senior Space System Structural Engineer 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.
This is a full-time position which will follow a hybrid work model, offering partially remote work as business needs allow with onsite work required at our El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Chantilly, VA locations.
What You'll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for Space Force, USAF and NRO missions to assure structural integrity. Typical tasks include independent analyses and assessments, hardware pedigree reviews, review and evaluation of stress analysis reports, evaluation of flight data, and investigation of flight and test anomalies.
• Lead and coordinate technical studies across organizational personnel
• Assess 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.
• Act as the organization's lead representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
• Maintain authoritative expertise in the development, analysis, and verification of space structures, thorough knowledge of structural design criteria in combination with structural test methods
• Identify, evaluate, and resolve issues/anomalies/challenges related to space vehicle structures
• Publish clarification, insight, and guidance on technical topics to assist industry in enhancing mission assurance practices or advancing the of state-of-practice in structural verification and validation

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• A minimum of 12 years of applicable professional experience is required
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-organization teams through all phases of product execution
• Expert knowledge in the failure mechanics of metallic and composite hardware associated with typical manufacturing and processing issues
• Expert knowledge in using Nastran, Abaqus, or other commercial finite element tools
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% (as required)
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a current and active 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 Out
It 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 field
• Experience collaborating across the contractor product lines and industry working groups
• Technical 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 assessment
- Welded joint mechanical properties and analysis
- Nondestructive inspection criteria development
- Bonded and/or bolted joint failure criteria and analysis methodologies
- Composite structure failure criteria and analysis methodology
- Probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification
- Structural stability margin assessment

• Experience in the following areas:

- Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis
- Formulation and/or assessment of qualification test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria using a building block approach leading up to full-scale test
- Real-time monitoring of test execution and evaluation of test results
We 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 - Mid - Max)
$140,000 - $165,000 - $225,000
Pay Basis: Annual
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 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

We 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.