Senior Structural Systems Integrator

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 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 Integration Office (SMIO) is part of the Structural Mechanics Subdivision (SMS) in VSD. SMIO supports program offices by providing integrated structural and mechanical technical insight, enabling faster, clearer, and more risk‑informed decisions across diverse mission portfolios. In this role as Senior Structural Systems Integrator (Senior Project Engineer - Aerospace Structural Engineering), you will act as senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, and team leader in evaluating launch vehicle structures and mechanical systems 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/or non‑recurring design validation activities for launch vehicles within LSOD (e.g., Falcon, New Glenn, Starship).

This is a full‑time position based in El Segundo, CA and will be 100% onsite at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.

• Manage structures and mechanical systems including metallic structures, composite structures, pressure vessels, separation systems, moving mechanical assemblies, actuators, and ordnance
• 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 and mechanical systems 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

Minimum Requirements:

• M.S. in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field
• 10 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
• Experience with design and testing of structures and mechanical systems
• Experience coordinating multi‑disciplinary technical team efforts
• Extensive knowledge of structures and mechanical 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.

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics from a…