Launch Structural Engineer

Job Summary

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 Launch Structures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. The Launch Structures Section has insight into the additively manufactured, metallic, and composite structures being developed across the industry for the next generation of launch vehicles and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions.  

Our team is seeking a well-qualified individual for the 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. You should have a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges.

Work Model  

This is a full-time position, nominally based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. Additional locations to consider include Chantilly, VA and Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Develop and assess design criteria, requirement, and specification for launch vehicle structures and mechanical interfaces 
• Evaluate concepts for advanced launch vehicle structures, critically assess detail designs, and conduct technical studies (including independent analysis as necessary) to assure the structural integrity and stability of existing and new entrant launch vehicle hardware subject to static, dynamic and thermal loads 
• Develop advance analytical and test techniques for structural design and evaluation 
• Offer technical consultation and device in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives and success criteria that contribute to the construction and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of structures 
• Provide real-time monitoring of test execution and contribute to the evaluation and resolution of any test issues or anomalies 
• Perform critical reviews of flight hardware pedigree prior to launch and evaluate and assess all risks 
• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, analysis, and testing of material and structure 
• Experience in failure and composite design criteria 
• Damage tolerance 
• Provide timely technical recommendation 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- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required

• A minimum of (5) years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering is required

• Experience performing finite element analyses

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

• Willing 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 to obtain a security clearance.  

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering 

• A minimum of (8) years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering is required

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 is strongly preferred

• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective 

• Proficient in structural analysis and test of composite structures 

• Ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment. 

• Proficient with Nastran, Abaqus, or other commercial finite element tools 

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams 

• Direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results 

• Demonstrated ability to disposition hardware non-conformances