Structural Mechanics Project 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 Mechanics Integration Office is building an elite team of problem-solvers who thrive at the intersection of technical excellence and strategic impact. We're looking for exceptional engineers who can bridge disciplines, navigate complexity, and drive innovation on the most challenging structural mechanics problems in aerospace.
As a Structural Mechanics Project Engineer (Project Engineer - Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering and Integration) in the Structural Mechanics Integration Office, you will join a team of engineers, working across our Structural Mechanics Subdivision and programs, to develop multi-disciplinary solutions to the hardest structural mechanics related problems in the industry. You will have the unique opportunity to create clarity and produce integrated products and solutions across The Aerospace Corporation’s entire portfolio, while also expanding subdivision capabilities.
This position is located in El Segundo, CA, requiring at least 4 days onsite. Additional locations being considered are Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, Huntsville, AL, or Albuquerque, NM.
What You’ll Be Doing
Connect emerging issues and programs with subdivision capabilities, coordinating joint decision processes, and advocating for strategic technical priorities across functional, security, and subject matter boundaries
Lead ad-hoc cross-disciplinary teams to develop solutions that address shortcomings in processes, products, and data flows.
Maintain awareness of capabilities across functional departments and foster opportunities to apply and grow those capabilities
Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external customers and contractors, coordinating subdivision equities across all stages of program acquisitions and advocate for deeper involvement where appropriate
Maintain technical depth in structural mechanics related focus area and implement capabilities in select instances where appropriate
Identify technical needs and solutions for problems that arise during hardware developmental and operational phases, including identification of root cause for anomalies
Contribute to the maintenance of requirements, technical supporting data, and rationale for SSC-S-016
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a structural mechanics related STEM field or equivalent
8 or more years of experience in multiple aerospace structural mechanics disciplines
Familiarity with space and/or launch vehicle contractors
Proven track record of delivering impactful outcomes on national security space programs
Willing to occasionally travel domestically to support customer needs, approximately ~10% (as required)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (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 structural mechanics related STEM field or equivalent
12 or more years of experience in cross-disciplinary structural mechanics roles
Active Top Secret with SCI and/or SAP access 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)
$129,000.00 - $193,500.00
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,