Structural Technologies Section Manager

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 systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and 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 within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision, Vehicle Systems Division, is seeking a well-qualified individual 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 to help solve a variety of technical challenges.

As the Structural Technologies Section Manager , you will lead a newly formed team focused on advanced structural analysis, AI/ML integration, tool development, and emerging technologies. You will oversee a technical team who provide direct space and launch vehicle program support while also developing methodologies and automation tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and technical leadership across the department.

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

What You’ll Be Doing • Lead a team of analysis specialists providing direct support to launch vehicle and spacecraft programs requiring expertise in nonlinear material behavior, explicit dynamics, progressive damage modeling, and coupled multi-physics analysis

• Work with program offices to identify complex structural challenges requiring advanced methodologies including plasticity, progressive damage, probabilistic analysis, and uncertainty quantification

• Direct staff effort to conduct independent advanced analyses, develop innovative solutions, and provide technical consultation to hardware sections across the department

• Review and sanction the development and implementation of cutting-edge analysis methodologies, including AI/ML integration, additive manufacturing qualification, and structural optimization techniques

• Oversee the development and maintenance of in-house codes, automation tools, and workflow improvements that enhance department-wide efficiency and accuracy

• Utilize project management tools (e.g., JIRA) for tracking and prioritization of tasking

• Provide embedded analyst support to other sections for complex program problems, troubleshooting models, and advanced FEM techniques

• Foster the development and delivery of training programs on advanced analysis methods, probabilistic techniques, explicit dynamics, AI/ML, and emerging technologies

• Create technical memoranda, best practice guides, and validation documentation to disseminate knowledge across the department

• Conduct line management functions including staffing, mentoring, establishing technical direction and standards, allocating staff support, performing administrative duties, and communicating with upper management regarding technical and programmatic issues

• Develop staff by increasing their technical/functional abilities and knowledge through challenging work assignments, mentoring, training opportunities, and regularly providing high-quality feedback

• Build a collaborative culture that balances technical excellence with program responsiveness, while maintaining innovation focus

• Manage workload prioritization and capacity planning to meet competing demands from multiple programs and development initiatives

What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, or related STEM field

• 5 years of experience in structural design, finite element analysis, and test methodologies

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent working relations with customers and contractor personnel

• Proven ability to lead cross-discipline technical teams and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated ability to clearly present complex technical assessments to senior and customer leadership

• Capability to manage and triage multiple high-priority tasks

• This position requires 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, engineering mechanics, or related STEM field

• 8 years of experience in structural design, finite element analysis, and test methodologies

• Demonstrated project, program, and people leadership experience

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, etc.)

• Demonstrated ability in applied engineering principles (i.e., direct launch or space vehicle hardware experience)

• Expertise in finite element analysis techniques, material characterization, and structural test techniques

• Experience in developing risk assessments for space and launch vehicles

• Ex

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