Senior Spacecraft Analysis Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a Spacecraft Systems Analysis Engineer to drive high-impact modeling, simulation, and performance analysis across our satellite platform. This is a multidisciplinary role where you will inform key design decisions across spacecraft subsystems through rigorous analysis and system-level thinking. You will bring deep expertise in one or more domains—such as structural, loads, and dynamics, thermal, radiation, reliability, power, MMOD (micrometeoroid and orbital debris), fluids, or optical/brightness analysis—while operating with a strong understanding of how these systems interact at the spacecraft level. This is a high-growth role with the opportunity to take ownership of critical analyses and directly influence at the spacecraft level.

Responsibilities

• Perform system-level modeling and simulation to evaluate spacecraft performance across multiple subsystems
• Develop and own analysis in one or more domains: structural, thermal, radiation, reliability, power, MMOD, fluids, or optical/brightness
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to inform design decisions and optimize system performance, mass, and reliability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, GNC, and software teams to guide design and integration decisions
• Define and maintain analysis-driven requirements, margins, and verification strategies
• Interpret simulation results and translate findings into actionable engineering insights
• Support test planning and model correlation, ensuring alignment between analysis and hardware performance
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including models, assumptions, and analysis reports
• Support environmental qualification and on-orbit performance predictions, including thermal, radiation, and debris environments
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR), providing analytical rigor and recommendations at the system level

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in engineering analysis (internships and relevant projects count)
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Experience or academic exposure to at least one analysis domain: Structural, Loads and Dynamics, Thermal, Fluids, Radiation, Reliability, Power, MMOD, Demise, Optical / brightness
• Familiarity with engineering simulation tools (e.g., FEA, thermal modeling, MATLAB/Python-based analysis)
• Strong fundamentals in physics-based modeling, numerical methods, and engineering principles
• Ability to interpret data and translate analysis results into actionable engineering insights
• Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying analysis to real-world hardware or aerospace systems (internship, academic project, or industry)
• Experience with industry-standard tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink, Python)
• Experience performing multidisciplinary trade studies and system-level optimization
• Familiarity with space environment effects, including radiation, thermal cycling, and orbital debris (MMOD)
• Experience with test correlation, validating models against hardware or experimental data
• Exposure to power systems, thermal management, or structural dynamics in aerospace applications
• Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong validation practices
• Experience designing or maintaining analysis workflows integrated with CI/CD or automated pipelines
• Demonstrated ownership of complex analytical problems, from assumptions through model validation
• Prior experience at a space, aerospace, or deep tech organization
• Strong interest in space systems, energy infrastructure, and mission-driven engineering challenges

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid leave for new parents
• Relocation assistance
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Pay

The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $145,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.