Senior Structural Mechanics Integration 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.

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 Mechanics Integration Office is building an elite team of problem-solvers who thrive at the intersection of technical excellence and strategic impact. We're looking for exceptional engineers who can bridge disciplines, navigate complexity, and drive innovation on the most challenging structural mechanics problems in aerospace.

As a Senior Structural Mechanics Integration Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering) in the Structural Mechanics Integration Office, you will join a team of engineers, working across our Structural Mechanics Subdivision and programs, to develop multi-disciplinary solutions to the hardest structural mechanics related problems in the industry. You will have the unique opportunity to create clarity and produce integrated products and solutions across The Aerospace Corporation’s entire portfolio, while also expanding subdivision capabilities. 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite. Additional locations to consider are Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Albuquerque, NM.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Connect emerging issues and programs with subdivision capabilities, managing joint decision processes, and advocating for strategic technical priorities across functional, security, and subject matter boundaries

• Create and lead ad-hoc cross-disciplinary teams to develop solutions  that address shortcomings in processes, products, and data flows

• Maintain awareness of capabilities across functional departments and foster opportunities to apply and grow those capabilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external customers and contractors, represent subdivision equities across all stages of program acquisitions and advocate for deeper involvement where appropriate

• Maintain technical depth in structural mechanics related focus area and implement capabilities in select instances where appropriate

• Independently identify technical needs and solutions for problems that arise during hardware developmental and operational phases, including identification of root cause for anomalies

• Maintain the requirements, technical supporting data, and rationale for SSC-S-016

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in a structural mechanics related STEM field or equivalent

• 10 or more years of experience in multiple aerospace structural mechanics disciplines

• Experience with space and/or launch vehicle contractors

• Proven track record of delivering impactful outcomes on national security space programs is required

• Willing to occasionally travel domestically to support customer needs, approximately ~10% (as required) 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (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: 

• Advanced degree in a structural mechanics related STEM field or equivalent

• 15 or more years of experience in cross-disciplinary structural mechanics roles

• Prior experience in a technical or programmatic team management role

• Active Top Secret with SCI and/or SAP access security clearance,