Structural Engineer/Sr. Structural Engineer (Metallics)

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis‑based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

We are seeking a Structural Engineer/Sr. Structural Engineer (Metallics) who will act as a senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, and team leader in evaluating launch vehicle structures (metallics, etc.) in support of National Security Space (NSS) missions. You’ll lead and organize interactions between the customer (Space Force/OSL), Aerospace technical staff, and contractors, and will coordinate large‑scale multidisciplinary activities to support recurring operations and non‑recurring design validation activities for the Vulcan launch vehicle program.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

• Provide systems engineering for a broad range of technical and launch operation activities primarily related to launch vehicle structures (including metallic structures)
• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary engineering teams to ensure that launch vehicle designs, analysis, testing, and documentation are compliant with Space Force requirements
• Lead and facilitate collaborative efforts between the Space Force and launch vehicle providers to evaluate their operational capability
• Provide technical advice and recommendations to resolve or mitigate risk associated with structures used on vehicles to launch NSS missions
• Effectively communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force/OSL, and contractor teams
• Build and maintain close working relationships with the Aerospace team, Space Force counterparts, contractors, and representatives from other government agencies
• Work with management to develop resource allocations plans and schedules

• B.S. in mechanical engineering, structural mechanics or related field from a recognized institution
• 8 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
• Familiarity with systems engineering and/or technical project management
• Experience with and strong knowledge of launch vehicle structures systems design, development, test, and operations
• Must have experience coordinating and/or participating in multi‑disciplinary technical efforts
• Extensive knowledge of structures systems engineering standards
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approximately 25% of the time
• 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.

• 12 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
• Track record of interfacing effectively with senior Aerospace management, customer, or contractor teams
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, forge well‑founded technical recommendations, and balance technical and programmatic perspectives

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics from a recognized institution
• Experience with testing/analysis of structures used on launch vehicles
• Experience with systems engineering and verification of requirements
• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes for both recurring operations and non‑recurring design validation

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 $117,300.00 – $226,900.00 annual.

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

• 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

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.

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