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 Component Analysis and Space Structures (CASS) section is within the Structures Department of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Space Vehicle and Electronic Component Structural Engineer (Engineering Specialist/ Senior 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 CASS section has insight into the structural integrity of space vehicle hardware of all sizes being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform customer decisions. Hardware includes composite and metallic bus panels and joints, solar arrays, antennas of all @types, electronic assemblies and electronic components.
What You'll Be Doing
Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and NRO missions to assure structural integrity. Typical tasks include independent analyses and assessments, hardware reviews, review and evaluation of stress analysis reports, evaluation of flight data, and investigation of flight and test anomalies.
Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for electronics components and spacecraft structures, and coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes
Lead technical teams to identify issues, prioritize tasks, and communicate with management and customers
Proactively inform management and customers of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action. Coordinate with inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers to resolve technical issues
Serve as senior mentor forthedevelopment ofearly careerstaff, providing technical guidance and insight.Conduct peer reviews of technical products and findings.
Maintain authoritativeexpertisein the development, analysis, and verification of electronic packaging and space structures, leveraging thorough knowledge of structural designcriteriaand structural test methods
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
8 years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering
Experience performing finite element analyses
Experience in structural mechanics such as elasticity, plasticity, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy methods, finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue
Experience with the design, qualification, and testing of aerospace structural components and systems
Initiates development of advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for subsystems
Ability to support multiple programs/activities simultaneously
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), domestically or internationally
Active 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 above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist are:
12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering
Experience as an organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia
Experience acting as focal point for technical standards and risk assessment approaches; engages in frequent interaction with contractors via review boards, technical interchange meetings, and planning meetings
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
Proficiency with the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of spacecraft structural systems, such as electronic assemblies, electronic components, antennas, composite panels, sandwich panels and solar arrays
Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: microelectronics durability, thermostructural analysis methodologies, fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (both due to thermal and vibration loads), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and non-linear finite element analysis
Demonstrated ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment
Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams
Proven capabilities in mentoring less experienced staff in multiple areas of structural engineering, providing orientation, technical guidance, and development insight
Demonstrated ability to work independently with both internal and external customers providing technical support, acting as a technical authority, consultant, and/or primary investigator
Proficient with NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA or other commercial finite element tools, and direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results
Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective
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 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual
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 We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading 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
