Structural Dynamics Engineer

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 Dynamics and Environments Department is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. 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.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., allowing for one day a week working remotely.

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

• Assemble coupled system models across a variety of launch vehicles and spacecrafts

• 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

• Mentor peers and less experienced team members

What You Need to be Successful

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

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

• 6 years applicable professional or educational experience

• 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

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

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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

• 10 years of total applicable professional or educational experience

• Prior experience with leading teams or performing project management roles

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

• 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…