Thermostructures Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving complex 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 solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future space systems, providing research and development, technical evaluations, conceptual and detailed design, assembly, integration, test, and operational support. The Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. This position is full‑time, onsite, based in El Segundo, CA, with consideration in Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA, or Hill Air Force Base, UT. Thermostructures Engineer (Member of Technical Staff / Senior Member of Technical Staff) – Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering What You’ll Be Doing Evaluate the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to aerospace thermostructural technologies, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re‑entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic systems; sub‑components typically include composites, solid propellant, joints, seals, igniters, valves, turbopumps, and nozzles. Offer technical consultation to management, customers, contractors, and government organizations in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria. Develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for aerospace thermostructural technologies. Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of aerospace thermostructural technologies. Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of aerospace thermostructural technologies. Maintain state‑of‑the‑art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies; skills include expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques, failure criteria, composite design criteria, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, concept ideation and development, and advanced finite element analysis methods. Communicate with inter‑organizational personnel, program offices, and customers when necessary to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues. Coordinate with technical experts at contractor facilities to address and resolve concerns of emerging risks. Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross‑disciplinary issues. Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefings and reports. Minimum Requirements – Member of Technical Staff Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field. Two (2) years or more of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering. Experience performing finite element analyses. Experience or coursework in structural mechanics such as metallic and composite materials, nonlinear materials, plates and shells, energy and finite element methods, fracture, and fatigue. Experience with the design, qualification, and testing of aerospace thermostructural technologies. Strong attention to detail and time‑management skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complicated subjects in a simple and cogent manner to decision makers. Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 20%), domestically or internationally. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. Additional Minimum Requirements – Senior Member of Technical Staff Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field. Three (3) or more years of total increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering. How You Can Stand Out Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field. Proficiency with the design, qualification, and nonconformance assessment of aerospace thermostructural technologies. Technical proficiency in areas such as ablative composite technology (failure criteria, material characterization, erosion and progressive damage analysis), fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and structural stability margin assessment. Demonstrated ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage and to translate results into a conclusive assessment. Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams. Proficient with LS‑DYNA, NASTRAN, Abaqus, 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. Benefits 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. 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. 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