2026 Structural Systems 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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Structural Mechanics Subdivision provides expertise in the areas of static and dynamic structures, mechanisms, environments, and materials for government and commercial space applications. We are hiring a Structural Systems Engineer - Associate Member of Technical Staff. As part of our lean, high-performance team, you will collaborate with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Perform technical analysis of space vehicle pressurized systems and propulsion systems, including pressure vessels, lines/fittings, manifolds, valves, bellows, and separation systems
• Provide 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 launch and space structures
• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of launch and space structures
• Improve the agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of launch and space structures
• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of launch and space structures; 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 engineering, program offices, and customers when necessary to scope, plan, and resolve technical issues
• Work within and across interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues
• Provide timely technical recommendations to line management and customers through technical briefings and reports
• Training and mentorship will be provided

What Corporate Skills You'll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field (pursuing or conferred within 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Minimum GPA of 3.2
• Willing 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
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's or PhD degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field (pursuing or conferred within 12 months)
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance
• Experience with finite element analysis approaches including FEMAP
• Experience with nondestructive test and evaluation techniques
• Experience with advanced structural fabrication approaches including composite structures and additive manufacturing

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)
$77,000 - $90,000
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 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.