Structural Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 227,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans

401(k) plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer to perform analyses and develop tools for launch vehicle and spacecraft loads across flight phases. The role emphasizes coupled system modeling, data correlation, and instrumented testing.

Senior specialists will lead analyses, mentor teammates, and support customers while travel and TS/SCI clearance are required; onsite work four days per week at multiple locations nationwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field.
• 6+ years applicable professional or educational experience.
• Experience with finite-element model development techniques and software.
• Knowledge of classical vibration and transient response analysis theory.
• Knowledge of numerical analysis and mathematical modeling.

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 a variety of launch vehicles and spacecrafts.
• Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to improve loads analysis methods.
• Plan and oversee mode survey testing for launch vehicle and space vehicle components.

Skills

Structural dynamics

Finite-element analysis

Numerical analysis

Telemetry data processing

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Structural/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Nastran

DMAP programming

Python

Fortran

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 Structural Dynamics and Environments Department is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). Our mission is to provide to our internal and external customers the highest quality technical expertise in the areas of analytical, experimental, flexible, and rigid body dynamics for the design, development, acquisition, and operation of space launch and orbital systems. We specialize in spacecraft and launch vehicle dynamics; mode survey test planning and independent data assessment; time series data analysis; independent integrated spacecraft/launch vehicle coupled loads analysis; and flexible system separation analysis and testing.

This is a full-time position requiring at least 4 days onsite in El Segundo, CA., Colorado Springs, CO., Huntsville, AL., Chantilly, VA., and other Aerospace Corporation locations.

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 spacecrafts
• Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to develop recommendations to improve loads analysis methods
• Plan and oversee the execution of mode survey testing for various launch vehicle and space vehicle components, including test data quality verification and finite element model correlation to test 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

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
• 6 years 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
• Knowledge of numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, and digital signal processing techniques and their application to structural dynamics problems
• Experience with telemetry data processing and post-flight analysis
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately ~5%, as required
• 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.

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering are:

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

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field with related coursework in structural dynamics
• 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 experience with Nastran and DMAP programming
• Software development experience in Fortran and Python including best practices

Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min - Max) $117,300.00 - $226,900.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Benefits

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other - the belief that we can make a difference.

This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

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’re 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.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do.

Security Clearance

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways