Manager, Component Analysis & Space Structures

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Manager of the Component Analysis & Space Structures Section to lead structural analysis and staff development for spacecraft structures and electronic units. You will guide design, verification, and test activities for space vehicle buses, solar arrays, antennas, and assemblies.

Ideal candidates will have a strong solid-mechanics background, experience with hand calculations and FE analysis, and a passion for space engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and 5 years of structural design, analysis, and test methods.
• Ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and manage staff.
• Experience with FEA, material characterization, and structural testing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee analysis of spacecraft structures and electronic hardware.
• Direct staff in independent analyses, reviews, test plans and contractor monitoring.
• Sanction design, analysis, and testing methodologies for space vehicles and subsystems.
• Maintain relationships with space vehicle program offices and launch programs.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Structural Design

Leadership

Program leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree in STEM

Tools

Finite Element Analysis software

Material characterization

Structural testing

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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision, Vehicle Systems Division, is seeking a well-qualified individual to serve as the Manager of the Component Analysis & Space Structures Section . 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 to help solve a variety of technical challenges.

The Component Analysis & Space Structures Section provides oversight into spacecraft structures and subsystems, deployable structures, and launch/space vehicle electronic hardware and components developed across the industry and develops technical assessments to help inform customer decisions, including design guidance, industry standards, and evaluations of flight worthiness.

This is position is based in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days a week onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

• Work with program offices to identify issues, concerns, and needs in the areas of structural integrity and stability of electronic components and spacecraft structures subject to combined mechanical and thermal loads
• Direct staff effort to conduct independent analyses, participate in hardware acceptance reviews, evaluate/formulate test plans, and monitor contractors' analyses and test programs
• Review and sanction the development and implementation of design, analysis, and test methodologies used in the evaluation of structures, including space vehicle buses, electronic units and assemblies, solar arrays, antennas, batteries, and cable assemblies
• Develop and maintain relationships with space vehicle program offices, and launch vehicle program offices responsible for electronic hardware and components
• Conduct line management functions including staffing, mentoring, establishing technical direction and standards, allocating staff support, performing administrative duties and communicating with upper management regarding technical and programmatic issues
• Develop staff by increasing their technical/functional abilities and knowledge by using work assignments, mentoring and training, and regularly provide high-quality feedback
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• 5 years of experience in structural design, analysis, and test methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent working relations with customers and contractor personnel
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams
• Expertise in finite element analysis techniques, material characterization, and structural test techniques

This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• 8 years of experience in structural design, analysis, and test methodologies
• Demonstrated project, program, and people leadership experience
• Experience in evaluating aerospace structures, including spacecraft primary and secondary structures, electronic units and assemblies, solar arrays, antennas, batteries, or cable assemblies
• Background in fatigue and failure theory, including finite element analysis, material failure criteria, material characterization, and advanced analysis tool development
• Knowledge of structural standards related to electronic hardware and components
• Active TS and/or SCI security clearance

We offer a