LHH is working alongside a leading client in the aerospace technology sector to find an innovative and skilled Soft Structures Lead. This role involves overseeing the design, development, and integration of flexible aerospace structures for spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. The ideal candidate will lead a team of engineers focused on creating lightweight, high-performance soft structures that ensure mission success in the harsh conditions of space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of engineers in the design and development of soft structures for space systems, providing technical direction and mentorship.

• Oversee the design of flexible components, including thermal blankets, insulation materials, deployable systems, soft membrane structures, and parachutes.

• Lead efforts in selecting appropriate materials for soft structures, ensuring they meet aerospace-grade standards.

• Conduct and supervise detailed structural analyses using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.

• Work closely with other engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of soft structures with spacecraft subsystems.

• Lead the design and execution of tests for soft structures, including thermal cycling, vibration testing, and vacuum testing.

• Drive efforts to optimize soft structures for weight reduction, enhanced performance, and improved manufacturability.

• Identify potential risks related to the performance of soft structures and develop mitigation strategies.

• Maintain detailed documentation for designs, analysis methods, testing procedures, and results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the design, analysis, and testing of soft structures for aerospace applications.

• Extensive knowledge of design principles and material selection for soft structures in space environments.

• Expertise in FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus) and familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).

• Proven experience designing soft structures that interface with rigid spacecraft systems.

• Strong project management skills, including leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and meeting deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with flexible aerospace components, such as deployable structures and thermal protection systems.

• Knowledge of advanced materials and aerospace industry standards.

• Familiarity with environmental testing and additive manufacturing for soft structure components.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality designs.

• Creative problem-solving skills and excellent organizational skills.

• Passion for space exploration and advancing aerospace technology.

Why Join?

• Competitive salaries and benefits.

• Onsite chef-prepared lunches, access to a gym, pickleball court, and outdoor dog kennel.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage.

• A 401(k) with company match, and more!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance