Structural Dynamics Flight Loads 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.
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 Structural Dynamics Department is responsible for dynamic model development and validation as well as simulation of launch, ascent, and on-orbit performance of spacecraft and launch vehicles systems for the Air Force, civil, and commercial customers. The Flight Loads Section is responsible for prediction of atmospheric flight loads, including static-aeroelastic, turbulence/gust, buffet, and thrust oscillation; development of day-of-launch loads placards; summary of predicted loads for structural margin assessment; day-of-launch processing and coordination with other Aerospace technical disciplines, program offices, and contractors; post-launch data processing and assessment; and support of inter- and intra-departmental simulation development.
As the Structural Dynamics Flight Loads Manager, you will work with the department Director, as well as other engineering departments, in conducting multi-disciplinary analyses, to ensure mission success and developing future systems.
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• You will provide technical and managerial leadership to the Flight Loads Section of the Structural Dynamics Department in the areas of prediction of atmospheric flight loads, calculation and reporting of day-of-launch loads placards, post-flight loads analysis, spacecraft/launch vehicle coupled loads analysis, and time series data analysis
• S/he will participate in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques, including loads analysis methodologies.
• Provide task planning, schedule, and labor estimates for proposed technical work assignments
• You will advise supervision of resources needs and capabilities, as well as provide inputs for budgetary planning
• S/he will work closely with customer to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success
• Prepare written and oral reports of organization's activities, issues, and accomplishments to higher management, subordinates, and teaming organizations
• Identifies opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business. Assists higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new business opportunities
• You should have strong people management skills which includes: hiring and training staff, conducts performance reviews, motivate and direct employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• Typically, 8 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
• You will work with launch vehicle program offices to identify issues, concerns, and needs in the areas of structural dynamics and the advancement of structural dynamics related technologies
• Direct Members of Technical Staff (MTS) in conducting independent modeling, simulation, and analyses, and monitor contractors' analyses and methodologies
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI 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:

• 12 or more years of increasing, applicable professional or educational experience is required
• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Significant experience with launch vehicle atmospheric loads analysis including:

- Static-aeroelastic, gust/turbulence, and buffet coupled loads analyses
- Methods of loads combination for statistical enclosure of flight loads

• Experience with day-of-launch processing, to include, but not limited to:

- Day-of-launch loads analysis and reporting
- Day-of-launch data flow and timelines
- Familiarity with concepts of turbulence and lack-of-wind persistence

• Experience with the resolution of unexpected flight observations or anomalies

- Post-flight data reviews
- Correlation of simulations to observations
- Model sensitivity studies
- Development of loads analysis methodologies

• Familiarity with Department tasking via the Launch Verification Matrix for recurring and non-recurring items
• Experience in providing technical leadership and managing technical teams is highly desired
• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with management, program management, customers, contractors, and colleagues is essential

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)
$105,000 - $140,000 - $185,000
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.