Senior Structural Project 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 space systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, 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 of VSD is seeking a well-qualified individual to serve as a Senior Structural Project Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). Ideal candidates will have 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 Structures Department has insight into the structural integrity of launch vehicles, spacecraft, hypersonic technologies, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, pressurized structural systems, electronic components, and thermal protection systems being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., that requires 4 days onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and NRO missions to assure structural integrity. Typical tasks include independent analyses and assessments, hardware reviews, review and evaluation of stress analysis reports, evaluation of flight data, and investigation of flight and test anomalies.

• Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary 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.

• Effectively communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments to management.

• 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 launch and space vehicle structures

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM field

• 12 years or more years showing progressively increased responsibility

• Experience leading 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 stage propulsion launch and space vehicle hardware including COPVs, valves, bellows, lines, etc.

• Knowledge in using Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys, or other commercial finite element tools 

• Willing to travel domestically approximately 20 percent of the time

• Ability to obtain and maintain a 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 rel