Explosives Systems and Devices Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 100,300 - 175,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care

401(k) Plan

Education assistance programs

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Senior Explosives Systems and Devices Engineer to support aerospace projects. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering and experience with explosive devices.

Responsibilities include evaluating explosive systems, preparing reports, and collaborating with government customers. Benefits include comprehensive health care, flexible schedules, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years of experience in explosive devices or aerospace systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Experience in testing explosive/pyrotechnic systems.

Responsibilities

• Resolve technical issues and ensure project success.
• Evaluate explosive devices for launch vehicle and spacecraft.
• Prepare reports and briefings for stakeholders.

Skills

Design integrations for explosive devices

Aerospace systems knowledge

Analytical skills for design evaluations

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

Explicit transient hydrocode tools (CTH, LS-DYNA)

Job description

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 Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) offers a diverse range of capabilities that enable and support the effective implementation of technical and programmatic mission assurance activities on space systems, launch systems, and related systems. MSD staff support all program phases beginning with pre‑contract evaluations, design and development activities followed by build, test, and pedigree review, launch, initialization, and operations events. MSD is the ETG source of expertise in moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs), ordnance‑driven devices, other explosives applications and high‑velocity impact analysis, separation systems and analyses, ball bearings, gears, valves, component mass properties, related technologies, and exploitation of our knowledge and tools in solving non‑traditional and emerging problems. We are looking for an Explosives Systems and Devices Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering).

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, California.

What You'll Be Doing

• Work closely with program offices, management, and government customers to resolve technical issues and ensure project success
• Evaluate separation and deployment systems and explosive devices for launch vehicle, spacecraft, and missile programs
• Prepare written reports and provide briefings to customers and other stakeholders
• Occasionally travel to contractor sites to attend design reviews and witness hardware assembly and testing
• Participate in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques

Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering is required
• 3 or more years of applicable professional and/or educational experience in explosive devices, separation and deployment systems, or other aerospace systems‑related field
• Experience with the design, integration, and testing related to explosive/pyrotechnic devices and systems typical of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and missile systems
• Willing to travel approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering
• 6 or more years of total applicable professional and/or educational experience in explosive devices, separation and deployment systems, or other aerospace systems‑related field
• Knowledge of, and experience with, types of analyses to examine design alternatives, investigate failures, verify performance and/or check compliance with applicable specifications
• Knowledge of industry/government standards AIAA‑S‑113, RCC 319, MIL‑DTL‑23659, and SMC‑S‑016

How You Can Stand Out

• PhD degree in a physical sciences or engineering including relevant coursework (e.g., conservation laws, continuum mechanics)
• Understanding properties of energetic materials, detonation, deflagration, ignition methods, sensitivity, combustion, thermochemistry
• Understanding physics of shock and impact, ballistic penetration, dynamic behavior of materials, damage, and fracture
• Experience in the use of explicit transient hydrocode and finite element analysis tools (e.g., CTH, LS‑DYNA)
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is highly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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

(Min – Max) $100,300.00 - $175,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 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 are 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 [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.