Explosives and Shock Physics 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 Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) offers a diverse range of capabilities that enable and support the effective implementation of technical and programmatic mission assurance activities on space systems, launch systems, and related systems. MSD staff support all program phases beginning with pre-contract evaluations, design and development activities followed by build, test, and pedigree review, launch, initialization, and operations events. MSD is the VSD source of expertise in moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs), ordnance-driven devices, other explosives applications and high-velocity impact analysis, separation systems and analyses, ball bearings, gears, valves, component mass properties, related technologies, and exploitation of our knowledge and tools in solving non-traditional and emerging problems. We are looking for an Explosives and Shock Physics Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering).

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work closely with program offices, management, and government customers to resolve technical issues and ensure project success 
• Conduct engineering analysis, including hydrocode modeling and simulation, of explosively driven devices and hypervelocity impact scenarios
• Participate in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques, including hydrocode analysis methodologies.
• Evaluate separation and deployment systems and explosive devices for launch vehicle, spacecraft, and missile programs
• Evaluate micrometeoroid and high velocity impact shielding designs for spacecraft
• Prepare written reports and provide briefings to customers and other stakeholders
• Occasionally travel to contractor sites to attend design reviews and witness hardware assembly and testing

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist:

• Master's degree in physical sciences or engineering
• 6 or more years of applicable professional and/or academic experience in explosives, shock physics, explosive devices, separation and deployment systems, or other aerospace systems-related field 
• Understanding of the physics of shock and impact, ballistic penetration, dynamic behavior of materials, damage, and fracture
• Experience in the use of explicit transient hydrocode and finite element analysis tools (e.g., CTH, LS-DYNA)
• Understanding properties of energetic materials, detonation, deflagration, ignition methods, sensitivity, combustion, thermochemistry
• Willing to travel approximately 10% (as required)
• 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.

In addition to the requirements above, the requirements for Sr. Engineering Specialist are:

• 10 or more years of applicable professional and/or academic experience in explosives, shock physics, explosive devices, separation and deployment systems, or other aerospace systems-related field 
• Experience with the design, integration, and testing related to explosive/pyrotechnic devices and systems typical of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and missile systems

How You Can Stand Out

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

• PhD degree in a physical sciences or engineering including relevant coursework (e.g., conservation laws, continuum mechanics
• Knowledge of industry/government standards AIAA-S-113, RCC 319, MIL-DTL-23659, and SMC-S-016
• Active TS/SCI security clearance

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)

$131,400.00 - $197,000.00Pay 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.