Structural Systems Engineer

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Sr. Structural Systems Engineer (Staff) in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, to apply solid mechanics and FEA to space-vehicle structures. On-site four days per week with flexibility based on business needs.

Requires a bachelor’s in mechanical or aerospace engineering, 5+ years in structural engineering, FEA experience, and ability to obtain a Secret clearance (US citizenship).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of professional or academic experience in structural engineering.
• Experience performing finite element analyses.
• Experience in structural mechanics including nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture and fatigue.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance; US citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Space vehicle pressurized and propulsion systems design, analysis, and evaluation of components.
• Provide technical consultation to management, customers, contractors, and government organizations on test plans and success criteria.
• Develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space structures.
• Contribute to development and execution of test programs for launch and space structures.
• Enhance agility of the mission assurance process regarding structural integrity and survivability.

Skills

Finite element analysis

Structural mechanics

Travel willingness

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

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 space systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, 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 Systems Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD and seeks a Structural Systems Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering) with 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 and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. The Structural Systems Section has insight into the critical pressure components being utilized across the industry for the next generation of launch vehicles and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.

This full-time position requires on-site work at least four days per week, with flexibility based on business needs. The position is based in El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Space vehicle pressurized systems and propulsion systems, including pressure vessels, lines/fittings, manifolds, valves, bellows, and separation systems
• Offer technical consultation to management, customers, contractors, and government organizations in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria
• Develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space structures
• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of launch and space structures
• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of launch and space structures
• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of launch and space structures; skills include expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques, failure criteria, composite design criteria, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, concept ideation and development, and advanced finite element analysis methods
• Communicate with both inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers when necessary to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues
• Coordinate with technical experts at contractor facilities to address and resolve concerns
• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues
• Keep management and customers informed of emerging risks
• Provide technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefing and reports

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Sr. Member of Technical Staff:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• 5 or more years of professional or academic experience in structural engineering
• Experience performing finite element analyses
• Experience in structural mechanics such as nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

In addition to the requirements above, the Engineering Specialist minimum requirements are:

• 8 years of experience or more in structural engineering

How You Can Stand Out

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or a related technical field
• Design, qualification, and nonconformance assessment of pressurized systems including: Stage Tanks, Pressure Vessels, Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels, Lines/Fittings, Flare