Job Summary 

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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.   

The Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) team has approx. ~20-25 engineers responsible for providing technical mission assurance support to ensure the integrity and reliable operation of moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) and explosive devices used during separation and deployment events of spacecraft, launch vehicles, and missile systems. The Launch Mechanisms Section is responsible for the evaluation of requirements, design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle and missile systems MMA’s (including reusable systems) in accordance with industry standards. This section works closely and coordinates with other Aerospace technical disciplines, program offices, and contractors in support of our customer’s mission needs.  

As a Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering within the Launch Mechanisms Section, you will work with the section managers and other engineering departments to conduct multi-disciplinary analyses that ensure mission success for current and future missions. This position leverages experience in the areas of launch vehicle moving mechanical assemblies, deployment and separation systems, and explosive devices, to support our programs and departmental responsibilities.  

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-5) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Evaluate moving mechanical assemblies and/or explosive devices for launch vehicle, spacecraft, and missile programs.  
• Review and assess designs, analysis results, test plans, command media, and applicable standards.  
• Perform analyses and modeling of moving mechanical assemblies, deployment, and separation systems   
• Work closely with the department technical staff and management to resolve technical issues and assure mission success.  
• Prepare reports and provide charts in support of briefings to customers and other stakeholders.  
• Support technical efforts and work with senior staff in support of program tasks.  

What You Need to be Successful   

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering include:    

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is required  
• A minimum of (5) years of applicable professional experience in launch vehicle, spacecraft, or missile program support in areas of physical sciences or engineering is required  
• Willingness to occasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)  
• This position requires 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.  

How You Can Stand Out   

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is strongly preferred  
• Experience with mechanical designs, mass properties, materials, and manufacturing  
• Experience with hardware integration and testing  
• Familiarity with multi-body dynamics analysis and hydrocode analysis tools  
• Experience with bearings, gear trains, moving mechanical assemblies, deployment, and separation systems   
• Knowledge of AIAA-S-114, SMC-S-016, and/or NASA-STD-5017A standards   
• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing is essential   
• An active security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.