Associate Director, Space Structures Engineering

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

401(k) Plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Associate Director – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering with a proven leadership record and a solid foundation in structural mechanics to lead the Structures Department within the Vehicle Systems Division.

The role emphasizes advanced finite element analysis, coordination with customers, mentoring early career staff, handling budgets and staffing, and ensuring technical excellence for space structures; US citizenship and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with a focus in structural and/or solid mechanics.
• 10 years of applicable professional and educational experience.
• Demonstrated 2+ years of people management, mentoring, staff development, and performance reviews.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers.
• Strong technical leadership and ability to build and lead interdisciplinary teams.
• Expert knowledge in hardware structural analysis including finite element tools (Nastran, Abaqus).
• Willing to travel domestically and support customer needs (~20%).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Establish department objectives and goals, communicating them to staff and interfacing with matrix organizations.
• Participate with higher management in determining organizational structure, staffing needs, and resource allocation.
• Participate in budget planning and allocation of resources; implement policies and operating processes.
• Assign functional responsibilities within sub-organizations; coordinate work activities and monitor progress.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and recommend development, salary, and promotions.
• Mentor early career staff by providing technical guidance and insights.
• Communicate and coordinate with customers to understand critical needs and schedules.
• Ensure work aligns with customer standards; plan tasks and resolve issues as needed.
• Identify opportunities for new business and assist management in pursuit.
• Develop new business connections and promote technological innovations.
• Review and approve technical work and briefs for external release.
• Assess program risks and advise during certification, development, and operational phases.
• Maintain expertise in space structures and structural verification/validation.
• Direct technical groups performing engineering design, analysis, and R&D in structural mechanics.
• Publish guidance to assist industry in mission assurance practices.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Customer relations

Structural analysis

Finite element analysis

Education

Bachelors in engineering (structural/solid mechanics)

Tools

Nastran

Abaqus

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is seeking an Associate Director – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering with a proven leadership record and a solid foundation in structural mechanics to lead the Structures Department within the Vehicle Systems Division.

The role emphasizes advanced finite element analysis, coordination with customers, mentoring early career staff, handling budgets and staffing, and ensuring technical excellence for space structures; US citizenship and