Structural/Mechanical 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Launch Systems Operations and Development (LSOD) – Aerospace Structural Engineering – Project Engineer/Sr Project Engineer acts 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).

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

• 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

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer – Aerospace Structural Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• M.S. in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field from a recognized institution
• 7 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
• Experience with design and testing of structures and/or mechanical systems
• Must have experience coordinating and/or participating in multi-disciplinary technical efforts
• Extensive knowledge of structures and/or 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.

What You Need to be Successful – Sr Project Engineer – Aerospace Structural Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• M.S. in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field from a recognized institution
• 12 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
• Experience with design and testing of structures and mechanical systems
• Must have 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics from a recognized institution
• Experience with testing/analysis of structures and mechanical systems used on launch vehicles
• Experience with systems engineering and verification of requirements
• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes for both recurring operations and non-recurring design validation

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 – $226,900

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.