Structural Dynamics Engineering Specialist

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.

Job Summary

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 Structural Dynamics and Environments Department is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineering Specialist- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering. Our mission is to provide to our internal and external customers the highest quality technical expertise in the areas of analytical, experimental, flexible, and rigid body dynamics for the design, development, acquisition, and operation of space launch and orbital systems.  We specialize in spacecraft and launch vehicle dynamics; mode survey test planning and independent data assessment; time series data analysis; independent integrated spacecraft/launch vehicle coupled loads analysis; and flexible system separation analysis and testing.

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform structural dynamic analyses and evaluations of launch vehicle and spacecraft loads for all phases of flight

• Develop simulation tools and processes to solve structural dynamics problems

• Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to develop recommendations to improve loads analysis methods

• Plan and oversee the execution of mode survey testing for various launch vehicle and space vehicle components, including test data quality verification and finite element model correlation to test data

• Conduct analyses and investigations to solve a broad range of structural dynamics problems requiring advanced treatment and/or coordination within the department and other technical disciplines

• Provide technical support and expertise to program offices and external customers in the discipline of structural dynamics

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Structural Dynamics Engineering Specialist- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field is required

• A minimum of (8) years applicable professional or educational experience is required

• Experience with finite-element model development techniques and software

• Knowledge of classical vibration and transient response analysis theory

• Sound knowledge of Linear Algebra and its application in structural dynamic computations

• Prior experience with leading teams or performing project management roles

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately ~5%, as required

• This position requires a 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field with related coursework in structural dynamics is strongly preferred

• (12) or more years of applicable professional or educational experience in structural dynamics or similar field is preferred

• Experience with high frequency data acquisition and signal processing

• Skilled with mode survey and other dynamic testing

• Knowledge of component-mode synthesis techniques and finite-element analysis programs, especially experience with Nastran and DMAP programming

• Project management or team lead experience related to development of computational analysis tools and maintenance of finite-element analysis best practices/methodologies.

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)

$117,300 - $175,900

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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.