Vibroacoustics and Shock 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 deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Vehicle Shock and Vibration Section specializes in test support, hardware issue disposition, standards development, technical risk assessments, environmental design criteria, signal analysis, and vibroacoustic analysis for launch and space programs.

About the role

We are seeking a Vibroacoustics and Shock Engineer to proactively expand and implement our vision for test practice and technical support, increasing collaboration across technical disciplines. This position is based in El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; or Huntsville, AL, requiring at least 4 days onsite.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify areas of necessary development in environmental standards or analysis, work with management, and engage teams to execute.
• Lead technical assessments and serve as the point of contact on multiple programs/projects, coordinating and contributing to work within and outside the core team.
• Demonstrate proficiency in dynamic environments testing and instrumentation selection/setup.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Contribute to engagement with industry and command media updates to test philosophy and recommended practice for newer systems in defense and civil sectors.
• Initiate outreach to other engineering departments and program offices to solicit collaborative efforts and funding to advance the team’s technical and standards development work.
• Present technical and project status briefings to management, internal and external customers, and contractors.
• Travel to customer and contractor facilities to support relevant reviews and dynamic environments testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or a similar field.
• 6+ years (Engineering Specialist) or 10+ years (Sr Engineering Specialist) of applicable professional or academic experience.
• Experience in dynamic environments testing, instrumentation selection/setup, and analysis.
• Working knowledge of finite element analysis and other computational methods for vibroacoustics.
• Working knowledge of statistical energy analysis and boundary element analysis.
• Experience in data processing and spectral analysis of dynamic signals.
• Experience with Wave6 or other commercial vibroacoustics code.
• Ability to present results effectively in briefings and technical reports.
• Familiarity with Python programming language.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Qualifications

Sr Engineering Specialist (in addition to the above):

• 10+ years of applicable professional or educational experience.
• Relevant experience in spacecraft vibroacoustic and shock analysis and testing.
• Demonstration of dynamic environments technical assessments and standards tailoring in conjunction with outside disciplines.

Skills

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree(s) in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering with related coursework in structural dynamics.
• 15+ years of applicable professional experience in structural dynamics or a similar field.
• Proficiency in commercial vibroacoustic and finite element analysis tools (e.g., Wave6, VA One, FEMAP, Hypermesh, NASTRAN).
• Experience in analytical methods to solve problems in vibroacoustics and shock.
• Hands-on hardware experience, at or outside of the workplace.

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $117,300.00 – $226,900.00 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 with immediate eligibility and vesting; total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.