Launch Structures Project Leader

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 Structures Department is within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Launch Structures Project Leader (Project Leader - 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 Structures Department has insight into the structural integrity of launch vehicles, spacecrafts, hypersonic technologies, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, pressurized structural systems, and thermal protection systems being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. 

This position is based in El Segundo, CA., and requires at least 4 days onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for launch vehicle and spacecraft structures, and coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes
• Develop design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications and assess structural/mechanical designs and development plans during multiple design phases. Develop and coordinate test plans, procedures, and success criteria for structural test programs.
• Lead technical teams to identify issues, prioritize tasks, and communicate with management and customers
• Mentor and develop design criteria, requirements, and specifications for structural hardware
• Monitor and assist in the development of budgets and resource allocations. Determine scope of work and coordinate with relevant disciplines
• 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
• Maintain and advance skills in structural mechanics analysis, including composite materials and finite element analysis methods
• Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefing and reports

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• 5 or more 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
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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

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

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• (8) years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering
• Proficiency with the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of aerospace structural systems, such as launch vehicles, spacecrafts, hypersonic technologies, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, pressurized systems, thermal protection systems
• Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: pressurized systems (failure criteria, material characterization, and progressive damage analysis), thermostructural analysis methodologies, fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (damage tolerance methodologies, safe life analysis, and fracture control), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and structural buckling/stability margin assessment 
• 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 
• Extensive experience with the Space Enterprise, including interpretation and application of structural standards (e.g., AIAA S-110, S-080A, S-081B, SSC-S-016, SSC-S-025, etc.) and mission assurance processes
• 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)

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 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.