Electronic Component Structural Analysis Engineer

About the Role

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) provides national expertise in 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 Component Analysis and Space Structures (CASS) section is within the Structures Department of VSD and has insight into the structural integrity of space vehicle hardware of all sizes being developed across the aerospace industry, including electronics packaging, electronics assemblies, solar array components, harnesses and antennas.

What You'll Be Doing

• Identify, evaluate, and resolve structural design and test issues for electronics components and coordinate detailed structural analyses to identify failure mechanisms and modes
• Develop design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications and assess structural/mechanical designs and development plans during multiple design phases
• Develop and coordinate test plans, procedures, and success criteria for structural test programs
• Monitor and assist in the development of budgets and resource allocations. Determine scope of work and coordinate with relevant disciplines
• Proactively 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
• Maintain and advance skills in structural mechanics analysis, such as linear and non-linear finite element analysis methods, and coupled thermal-mechanical analysis methods
• Maintain and advance knowledge in the development, analysis, and verification of electronic packaging and knowledge of structural design criteria in combination with structural test methods
• Provide timely technical recommendation to line management and customers through technical briefings and reports

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of the Technical Staff

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• 5 or more years of professional or academic experience in structural engineering
• Experience performing finite element analyses
• Experience or coursework 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
• Willingness 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

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist

• 8 years of experience or more in structural engineering
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complicated subjects in a simple and cogent manner to decision makers

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
• Current TS/SCI clearance
• Proficiency with the design, qualification, testing, and nonconformance assessment of spacecraft structural systems, such as electronic assemblies, electronic components, antennas, and solar array components
• Technical proficiency in several of the following areas: microelectronics durability, thermostructural analysis methodologies, fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis (both due to thermal and vibration loads), nondestructive inspection criteria, probabilistic analysis and uncertainty quantification, and non-linear finite element analysis
• Demonstrated ability to represent the physics of structures during the analysis idealization stage, and to translate results into a conclusive assessment
• Proven capabilities in mentoring less experienced staff in multiple areas of structural engineering, providing orientation, technical guidance, and development insight
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with both internal and external customers providing technical support, acting as a technical authority, consultant, and/or primary investigator
• Proficient with NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS 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
• Ability to exhibit high level of innovation, creativity, and initiative

Pay

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00 annually

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