Spacecraft Structural Analyst

About the role

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society, ranging from earth observation to communications. We are seeking a Spacecraft Structural Analyst to own structural modeling, analysis, and validation from early design through flight readiness.

Responsibilities

• Own structural analysis across components, assemblies, and full spacecraft from initial sizing through test and validation
• Develop high-fidelity finite element models and perform analyses (FEA and hand calculations) to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, and fatigue
• Define structural load cases and environments, including force-limited dynamic loads (random, sine, shock, acoustics)
• Generate margins for metallic and composite structures, including joints and interfaces (bolted, bonded, etc.)
• Drive design decisions and architecture through trade studies and analysis insights
• Define and lead structural test campaigns, including vibration and environmental qualification
• Correlate FEM models with test and flight data to improve prediction accuracy
• Generate structural requirements, specifications, and ICDs for components and full spacecraft
• Develop and standardize analysis methods, tools, and workflows used across the company
• Partner cross-functionally with design, dynamics, manufacturing, and test to close the loop between analysis and hardware
• Manage external vendors and third-party analysts to scale analysis efforts and ensure quality
• Support the development of scalable test approaches and infrastructure aligned with high-rate production
• Contribute to team growth through mentorship, recruiting, and technical leadership

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
• 5+ years of experience as a structural analyst in spacecraft, aerospace, automotive, or similar industries
• Expertise in finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)
• Experience performing trade studies to inform system and component architecture
• Experience analyzing force-limited dynamic load cases (random, sine, shock)
• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, fatigue, and joint analysis
• Experience calculating margins for metallic and composite structures
• Proficiency with CAD tools (NX or similar)
• Experience defining loads, requirements, and verification approaches across the design lifecycle
• Experience leading or supporting vibration testing and structural qualification campaigns
• Experience managing external analysts or vendors and planning analysis scope
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical insights clearly

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related field
• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware
• Experience with vibro-acoustic analysis or testing
• Hands-on vibration testing experience in production or high-rate environments
• Experience generating unit-level vibration specifications
• Experience correlating FEM models with test or flight data
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or VBA for analysis and automation