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 Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Thermostructures Rocket Engineer (Senior 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 Thermostructures Section has insight into liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.

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

What You'll Be Doing

Evaluate the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to aerospace thermostructural technologies, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and/or hypersonic systems; sub-components typically include composites, solid propellant, joints, seals, igniters, valves, turbopumps, and nozzles

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 aerospace thermostructural technologies

Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of aerospace thermostructural technologies

Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of aerospace thermostructural technologies

Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies; 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 of emerging risks

Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues

Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefing and reports

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field

4 or more years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering

Experience performing finite element analyses

Experience in structural mechanics such as metallic and composite materials, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue

Experience with the design, qualification, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies, specifically liquid rocket engines and/or solid rocket motors
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally

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

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

Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering

How You Can Stand Out

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

Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is required

Proficiency with the design, qualification, and nonconformance assessment of aerospace thermostructural technologies

Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: ablative composite technology (failure criteria, material characterization, and erosion and progressive damage analysis), fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (damage tolerance/safe life analysis and fracture control), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and structural 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
Proficiency with LS-DYNA, NASTRAN, Abaqus, 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)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00
Pay 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 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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