We are seeking a Principal Engineer to join our Structures and Dynamics team at our Huntsville, AL facility. This position requires the selected candidate to have excellent structural analysis skills that will be applied to the design, development and testing of propulsion products. The individual will join a senior staff engaged in development and production activities related to new and existing propulsion technologies.

This position may be filled at the level posted or at the next higher level.

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our more than 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.

Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies Company, is growing in The Rocket City, Huntsville, AL! We've begun hiring for our third facility in the Huntsville area, a 379,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility near the Huntsville airport that will specialize in the production and assembly of inert solid rocket motor components. We are also continuing to grow at our Huntsville center of excellence for Missile Solutions Program Management and Engineering, as well as our Advanced Manufacturing Facility in north Huntsville, where we produce advanced propulsion products.

You're not just "doing a job" at Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies Company. The work you perform makes significant contributions to national security and space exploration.

Inspiring Company Culture - Our people support each other and work together to leave an indelible impact on our nation's aerospace and defense legacy. Read more about our culture: Careers | L3Harris
• Rest and Relaxation- Accrue 3 weeks of vacation to start plus separate sick allowance. 9/80 schedule providing longer weekends. Plus 90 hours of paid holidays on average throughout the year.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts, and Wellness programs. Want to know more? Check out: Benefits | L3Harris
• Prepare for the Future - 401(k) with company match
• Professional Development - Tuition assistance, free professional development training through Rocket University and Energetics University, employee recognition, and leadership development programs
• Employee Resource Groups - Local and Enterprise employee-led volunteer groups to create community, awareness, impact, and to support a culture where everyone belongs
• Great Location - Huntsville has been named the second-best place to live in the United States by U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 rankings. The city's thriving job market, low cost of living and high quality of life were cited as the primary reasons for its top ranking.

Requires broad technical expertise or unique knowledge. Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals with a focus in the area of solid rocket propulsion. Applies advanced technical principles, theories and concepts. Serves as the expert in a discipline with the organization. Contributes to the development of innovative principles and ideas. Provides solutions to unusually complex technical assignments and sensitive problems that require a high degree of ingenuity, creativity and innovation. Challenges are frequently unique and solutions may serve as precedent for future decisions. Works under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives. Determines and pursues course of action necessary to obtain desired results. Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by formal review by superior. May lead large projects that have significant impact to the business or oversee the activities of others. Effects of decisions heavily influence the long-term future course of own discipline. Errors in decisions or recommendations would result in failure to achieve functional and/or business unit(s) goals. Functions as a prime consultant and external spokesperson for the organization on significant matters relating to policies, programs, capabilities, and long-range goals and objectives. Contacts are principally with various professional organizations requiring considerable coordinated activities.

Technical lead role involving a wide range of expertise within the Structures & Dynamics discipline such as:

• Communication with internal (program office, chief engineers, etc.) and external customers
• Strengthen the technical capacity of the Huntsville, Alabama (HSV) based Missile Solutions Solid Propulsion team and support the enterprise analysis lead for a given program, investigation, etc.
• Technical advisor for the analysis of viscoelastic solid rocket propellants, composite pressure vessels, and rocket nozzles
• Develops analysis plans
• Supports proposal efforts
• Supports outsourcing efforts
• Develop Structural Analysis Criteria documents for every new program
• Drives the design from conceptual phase through detailed design
• Knowledge of evaluating load and strain controlled problems
• Familiar with hand calculation methods to perform initial sizing and FEA verifications
• Detailed stress analysis process procedures using FEA in particular ANSYS nonlinear analysis (contact w/ friction, plasticity, large deflections, etc.
• Strength evaluation methods
• Low Cycle Fatigue evaluation using strain range
• High Cycle Fatigue evaluation using Goodman and cycle counting procedures
• Buckling analysis (nonlinear, large deflection)
• Creep Rupture analysis
• Bolted joint analysis and bolt preload definition
• Proof and Burst pressure / speed definition
• Fracture mechanics analysis (CIFS, Known Defect Method, Useful Life Method, etc.)
• System Dynamic modeling and forced response analysis using random, sine, shock environments
• Rocket Motor test instrumentation definition and data processing for production, bench, full engine qualification, etc.

60% Report status to internal and external customers, peer review analyses performed by the HSV team, provide analysis direction and assistance to HSV analysis team, participate as a Structures & Dynamics board member in design reviews, write Structural Analysis Criteria documents for programs, maintain Structural Analysis standard work and methods, lead complicated, challenging tasks with limited to no direction, drive analysis plans, support proposals, etc.

30% - Perform structural analyses utilizing classic hand calculation methods and finite element models developed using ANSYS. Conduct static and dynamic structural analyses. Correlate analysis models and test results. Provide assessment of the products ability to satisfy internal structural requirements, as well as those flowed by the customer.

10% - Prepare technical reports documenting all analysis activities.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline and a minimum of nine (9) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree is preferred.

Additional Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in performing and leading highly stressed linear and non-linear structural analyses supporting design, development and production qualification is required in the areas of static and rotating hardware for liquid rocket engines (main combustion chamber, injector, turbomachinery, valves, ducts, mounts, nozzles, heat exchangers, etc.) air breathing hypersonics and solid rocket motors.
• Proficiency using finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS.
• Knowledge and experience with aerospace product development efforts is desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint is expected).

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require minimal walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.