Senior Structural Systems Integrator

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 (SMIO) is part of the Structural Mechanics Subdivision (SMS) in VSD. SMIO supports program offices by providing integrated structural and mechanical technical insight, enabling faster, clearer, and more risk-informed decisions across diverse mission portfolios. In this role as Senior Structural Systems Integrator (Senior Project Engineer - Aerospace Structural Engineering) , you will act 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).

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA and will be 100% onsite at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• M.S. in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field

• 10 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility

• Experience with design and testing of structures and mechanical systems

• 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

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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

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 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 View phone number on swooped.co or by email at  View email address on swooped.co . You can also review  Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .