The Aerospace Corporation

2025 Structural Mechanics Thermostructural Engineer

El Segundo, CA, United States

$86-120k

Full Time

8 minutes ago

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Job description

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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a propulsion-focused Structural Mechanics Engineer for an opportunity in El Segundo, CA.

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 Mechanics Subdivision provides expertise in the areas of static and dynamic structures, mechanisms, environments, and materials for government and commercial space applications. Our high-performance team collaborates with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time.

The subdivision is looking for a Structural Mechanics Engineer (MTS - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering or Sr. MTS - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering) to work in El Segundo, CA to perform engineering evaluations of existing and new national security space system components, integrate modern standards and design approaches, and develop next generation tools for characterizing launch, space, and defense vehicle hardware.

Work Model

This full-time position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

Develop, organize, and improve models used to characterize environments and predict hardware component behaviors
Improve tools and processes used to prepare test and/or flight sensor data for comparison to analytical predictions and for use in fleet monitoring
Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks
Document and present completed work and recommendations to management and internal customers
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve to support growth and learning
Training and mentorship will be provided

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Masters degree from an accredited college/university program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or other discipline, conferred within last 12 months
0-1 years of industry experience
Minimum GPA of 3.5
Experience with performing analyses using ANSYS, MATLAB, and FORTRAN
Experience with computer aided design software, including SolidWorks and NX
Demonstrated interest through hands on experience with projects specifically related to rocket engines and associated structures
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

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

Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or other discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
GPA of 3.7 or higher
Active security clearance
Demonstrated applied knowledge of heat transfer and reacting flow behavior
Completed graduate-level course work in propulsion, physical gas dynamics, plasma dynamics, and/or reentry flows
Prior engineering or project management experience in the aerospace industry

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)

$86,000 - $120,000

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.