Component Analysis and Space Structural Engineer

About this role

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 Component Analysis and Space Structural 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 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.

This position requires at least 4 days onsite and is based in El Segundo, CA., with consideration in Chantilly, VA, and Colorado Springs, CO.

What You'll Be Doing • 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

• 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

• 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, such as composite materials and linear and non-linear finite element analysis methods

• Provide timely technical recommendation to line management and customers through technical briefings and reports

What You Need to be Successful  Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of the Technical Staff:    • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is required

• 5 or more years of professional or academic experience in structural engineering

• Experience performing finite element analyses

• Experience or coursework 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

• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally

• Current and 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 requirements above, the Engineering Specialist minimum requirements are: • 8 years or more years of experience or more in structural engineering

• Strong attention to detail and time management skills

• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complicated subjects in a simple and cogent manner to decision makers

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, coupled loads analysis, 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

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