Structural Systems 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. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Structural Systems Engineer  (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, a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. 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.  

Work Model  

This is a full-time position nominally based in El Segundo, CA, with consideration in Chantilly, VA or Colorado Springs, CO. This role offers a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Space vehicle pressurized systems and propulsion systems, including pressure vessels, lines/fittings, manifolds, valves, bellows, and separation systems 

• Offer technical consultation to management, customers, contractors, and government organizations in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria 

• Develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space structures 

• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of launch and space structures 

• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of launch and space structures 

• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of launch and space structures; skills include expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques, failure criteria, composite design criteria, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, concept ideation and development, and advanced finite element analysis methods 

• Communicate with both inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers when necessary to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues 

• Coordinate with technical experts at contractor facilities to address and resolve concerns of emerging risks 

• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues 

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

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Structural Systems Engineer  (Senior Member of Technical Staff) - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering:   

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is required

• A minimum of (3) 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 nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue 

• Strong attention to detail and time management skills 

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

• 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 required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is required

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

• Design, qualification, and nonconformance assessment of pressurized systems including: 

- Stage Tanks  

- Pressure Vessels  

- Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels  

- Lines/Fittings, Flares, Bellows, Valves, and Manifolds  

• Technical proficiency in several of the following areas:  

- Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue Analysis (Damage Tolerance/Safe Life Analysis and Fracture Control)  

- Additive manufacturing design integration, evaluation, and assessment  

• Welded joint mechanical properties and analysis  

• Nondestructive inspection criteria development  

• Bonded and/or bolted joint failure criteria and analysis methodologies  

• Composite structure failure criteria and analysis methodology  

• Probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification  

• Structural stability margin assessment  

• Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective  

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

• Hands-on work which could include design, build, manufacturing and test of flight hardware 

• 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