Loads and Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 117,300 - 226,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Telework options

401(k) plan

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Loads and Dynamics Engineer in El Segundo, CA. This full‑time role offers a hybrid work arrangement with remote option one day per week.

The job focuses on advanced structural dynamics analyses for launch vehicles and spacecraft, tool development, and cross‑functional modeling to ensure flight‑ready designs. Applicants should have a mechanical/aerospace background, extensive FE/ vibration experience, and the ability to collaborate across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Six years of applicable professional or educational experience.
• Experience with finite‑element model development techniques and software.
• Knowledge of classical vibration and transient response analysis theory.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural dynamic analyses and evaluations of launch vehicle and spacecraft loads for all phases of flight.
• Develop simulation tools and processes to solve structural dynamics problems.
• Assemble coupled system models across launch vehicles and spacecraft.
• Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to improve load analysis methods.
• Plan and oversee mode‑survey testing and correlate FEM with test data.
• Provide technical support to program offices and external customers in structural dynamics.
• Mentor peers and less experienced team members.

Skills

Finite-element analysis

Vibration analysis

Structural dynamics

Linear algebra

Flight data comparison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Structural/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Nastran

DMAP programming

Job description

The Structural Dynamics and Environments Department is seeking a Loads and Dynamics Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). This full‑time role is based in ElSegundo, CA, with the option to work remotely one day per week.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform structural dynamic analyses and evaluations of launch vehicle and spacecraft loads for all phases of flight
• Develop simulation tools and processes to solve structural dynamics problems
• Assemble coupled system models across a variety of launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to develop recommendations that improve load analysis methods
• Plan and oversee the execution of mode‑survey testing for various launch vehicle and spacecraft components, including test‑data quality verification and finite‑element model correlation to data
• Conduct analyses and investigations to solve a broad range of structural dynamics problems requiring advanced treatment and/or coordination within the department and other technical disciplines
• Provide technical support and expertise to program offices and external customers in the discipline of structural dynamics
• Mentor peers and less experienced team members

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or a similar field
• Six (6) years of applicable professional or educational experience
• Experience with finite‑element model development techniques and software
• Knowledge of classical vibration and transient response analysis theory
• Sound knowledge of linear algebra and its application in structural dynamic computations
• Willingness to occasionally travel and work off‑business hours (approximately 5%) to support customer needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government
• U.S. citizenship, which is required to obtain a security clearance

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering

• Ten (10) years of total applicable professional or educational experience
• Prior experience with leading teams or performing project‑management roles

What You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or related coursework in structural dynamics (strongly preferred)
• Experience with high‑frequency data acquisition and signal processing
• Skilled with mode‑survey and other dynamic testing
• Knowledge of component‑mode synthesis techniques and finite‑element analysis programs, especially Nastran and DMAP programming
• Project management or team‑lead experience related to development of computational analysis tools and maintenance of finite‑element analysis best practices/methodologies

Compensation

The grade‑based pay range for this position is $117,300.00 – $226,900.00 per year, based on a wide variety of factors including education, experience, and skills.

Benefits

• 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, with matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested 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

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 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 needs reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310‑336‑5432 or by email at [e-mail].