Spacecraft 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 Space Structures Section is seeking a Spacecraft Structural Engineer with a strong foundation in solid mechanics coursework to include 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 Space Structures Section has insight into the additively manufactured, metallic, and composite structures being developed across the industry for the next generation of spacecraft vehicles and payloads and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.
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

• Resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges via detailed structural analyses of spacecraft and payloads including the core bus structure, bolted or bonded joint concepts, appendages, optical systems, booms, solar arrays, and deployable structures
• 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 space structures.
• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of space structures.
• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of space structures.

• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of space structures. 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.
• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues.
• Keep management and customers informed of emerging risks.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• A minimum of 2 years of applicable professional experience is required
• Experience performing finite element analyses (FEA)

• Experience or coursework in structural mechanics such as composite materials, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This 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 Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is preferred
• 5+ years of applicable professional experience is strongly desired
• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective
• Practical experience in structural analysis as demonstrated by an independent study under supervision of university engineering faculty, or an internship or professional assignment
• Proficient in the design, structural analysis, and test of spacecraft hardware including the core bus structure, bolted or bonded joint concepts, appendages, optical systems, booms, solar arrays, and deployables

• Demonstrated ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment
• Proficient with Nastran, Abaqus, or other commercial finite element tools
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams
• Direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results
• Demonstrated ability to disposition hardware nonconformance's

• A current and active security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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)
$70,000 - $105,000 - $130,000
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.