Space Vehicle and Electronic Component Structural Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for U.S.

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $117,300 - $226,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in structural engineering, particularly in aerospace applications, with a strong focus on finite element analysis, structural mechanics, and the design and testing of aerospace structural components. Proven ability to lead technical teams, mentor staff, and communicate effectively with management and customers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Finite Element AnalysisStructural MechanicsTechnical LeadershipActive TS/SCI Security ClearanceMentoring Early-Career Staff

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Structural DesignStress AnalysisFailure MechanismsFracture MechanicsFatigue AnalysisThermostructural AnalysisProbabilistic AnalysisNonlinear Finite Element AnalysisNondestructive Inspection CriteriaFlight Qualification Strategies

Soft Skills

CommunicationProblem-SolvingTeam CoordinationIndependent WorkCustomer Interaction

Tools & Technologies

NASTRANAbaqusANSYSLS-DYNAFinite Element Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringAdvanced Degree PreferredU.S. Citizenship

Industry Keywords

AerospaceSpace StructuresStructural IntegrityMission AssuranceTechnical Standards

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide technical leadership as part of mission assurance processes for U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, and NRO missions to assure structural integrity
Perform independent analyses and assessments, hardware reviews, review and evaluation of stress analysis reports, evaluation of flight data, and investigation of flight and test anomalies
Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for electronics components and spacecraft structures
Coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes
Lead technical teams to identify issues, prioritize tasks, and communicate with management and customers
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
Mentor early-career staff by providing technical guidance and insight
Conduct peer reviews of technical products and findings
Maintain authoritative expertise in electronic packaging and space structures, structural design criteria, and structural test methods

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
8 years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering for the Engineering Specialist level
12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional or industry experience in structural engineering for the Senior Engineering Specialist level
Experience performing finite element analyses
Experience 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
Ability to support multiple programs/activities simultaneously
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, approximately 10%, domestically or internationally
Active TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Experience as an organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia for the Senior Engineering Specialist level
Experience acting as focal point for technical standards and risk assessment approaches, with frequent interaction with contractors via review boards, technical interchange meetings, and planning meetings for the Senior Engineering Specialist level
Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is preferred/impressive
Proficiency with the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of spacecraft structural systems
Technical proficiency in microelectronics durability, thermostructural analysis methodologies, fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and non-linear finite element analysis
Demonstrated ability to represent structural physics during analysis idealization and translate results into a conclusive assessment
Demonstrated ability to coordinate technical assignments and lead project teams
Proven capabilities mentoring less experienced staff in structural engineering
Ability to work independently with internal and external customers as a technical authority, consultant, and/or primary investigator
Proficiency with NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, or other commercial finite element tools
Direct experience correlating finite element model predictions with test results
Understanding of flight qualification strategies from a structural perspective

Benefits

Comp & perks

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