Structural Systems Section Manager

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 Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision, Vehicle Systems Division, is seeking a well-qualified individual 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 to help solve a variety of technical challenges.

As the Structural Systems Section Manager, you will provide oversight into the pressurized components and systems for launch and space vehicles developed across the industry, as well as manage the development of technical assessments to help inform customer decisions, including design guidance, industry standards, and evaluations of flight worthiness.

This position is located in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

• Work with program offices to identify issues, concerns, and needs in the areas of structural integrity and stability of structures subject to combined mechanical and thermal loads
• Direct staff effort to conduct independent analyses, participate in hardware acceptance reviews, evaluate/formulate test plans, and monitor contractors' analyses and test programs
• Review and sanction the development and implementation of design, analysis, and test methodologies used in the evaluation of structures, including composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), lines, bellows, valves, plumbing, and LV/SV interfaces
• Develop and maintain relationships with launch vehicle program offices responsible for stage propulsion applications
• Conduct line management functions including staffing, mentoring, establishing technical direction and standards, allocating staff support, performing administrative duties and communicating with upper management regarding technical and programmatic issues
• Develop staff by increasing their technical/functional abilities and knowledge by using work assignments, mentoring and training, and regularly provide high quality feedback

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• 8 years of experience in structural design, analysis, and test methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent working relations with customers and contractor personnel
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to clearly present complex technical assessments to senior and customer leadership
• Capability to manage and triage multiple high-priority tasks
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• 10 years' experience in structural design, analysis, and test methodologies
• Demonstrated project, program, and people leadership experience
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability in applied engineering principles (i.e., direct launch or space vehicle hardware experience)
• Expertise in finite element analysis techniques, material characterization, and structural test techniques
• Experience in developing risk assessments for space and launch vehicles
• Experience in evaluating aerospace structures, including composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), lines, bellows, valves, plumbing, and LV/SV interfaces
• Background in fracture and failure theory, including finite element analysis, material failure criteria, material characterization, and advanced analysis tool development
• Knowledge of structural standards related to pressurized launch and space structural systems
• Active TS and/or SCI security clearance

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)
$134,200.00 - $201,300.00

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 .