2026 Thermostructures 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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Thermostructures Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering), 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 and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. 

The Thermostructures Section has insight into liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA, Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA, or Hill Air Force Base, UT.

What You'll Be Doing 

• Evaluate the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to aerospace thermostructural technologies, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and/or hypersonic systems; sub-components typically include composites, solid propellant, joints, seals, igniters, valves, turbopumps, and nozzles

• 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 aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of aerospace thermostructural technologies 

• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of aerospace thermostructural technologies

• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies; 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 of emerging risks 

• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues 

• Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefing and reports

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Effective teamwork 

• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills 

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 

• Eff