Electronic Component Structural Analysis 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 space systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, 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 Component Analysis and Space Structures (CASS) section is within the Structures Department of VSD. Our growing team is seeking a well-qualified Electronic Component Structural Analysis Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering) 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 and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. The CASS section has insight into the structural integrity of space vehicle hardware of all sizes being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform customer decisions. Hardware includes electronics packaging, electronics assemblies, solar array components, harnesses and antennas.

This is a full-time position requiring at least 4 days onsite based in El Segundo, CA., with consideration in Chantilly, VA., and Colorado Springs, CO..

What You’ll Be Doing

Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for electronics components and coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes

Develop design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications and assess structural/mechanical designs and development plans during multiple design phases

Develop and coordinate test plans, procedures, and success criteria for structural test programs

Monitor and assist in the development of budgets and resource allocations. Determine scope of work and coordinate with relevant disciplines

Proactively inform management and customers of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action. Coordinate with inter-organizational personnel, program offices, and customers to resolve technical issues

Maintain and advance skills in structural mechanics analysis, such as linear and non-linear finite element analysis methods, and coupled thermal-mechanical analysis methods

Maintain and advance knowledge in the development, analysis, and verification of electronic packaging and knowledge of structural design criteria in combination with structural test methods

Provide timely technical recommendation to line management and customers through technical briefings and reports

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of the Technical Staff:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field

5 or more years of professional or academic experience in structural engineering

Experience performing finite element analyses

Experience or coursework in structural mechanics such as elasticity, plasticity, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy methods, finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue

Experience with the design, qualification, and testing of aerospace structural components and systems

Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally

This position requires the 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

In addition to the requirements above, the Engineering Specialist minimum requirements are:

8 years of experience or more in structural engineering

Strong attention to detail and time management skills

Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complicated subjects in a simple and cogent manner to decision makers

How You Can Stand Out

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

Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field

Current TS/SCI clearance

Proficiency with the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of spacecraft structural systems, such as electronic assemblies, electronic components, antennas, and solar array components

Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: microelectronics durability, thermostructural analysis methodologies, fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (both due to thermal and vibration loads), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and non-linear finite element analysis

Demonstrated ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment

Proven capabilities in mentoring less experienced staff in multiple areas of structural engineering, providing orientation, technical guidance, and development insight

Demonstrated ability to work independently with both internal and external customers providing technical support, acting as a technical authority, consultant, and/or primary investigator

Proficient with NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS or other commercial finite element tools, and direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results

Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective

Ability to exhibit high level of innovation, creativity, and initiative

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)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00

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 contr