Structural Engineer III - Spacecraft Programs

About the role

We are seeking a Spacecraft Structural Engineer III to lead the design, analysis, and development of spacecraft structural systems across multiple flight programs. This role requires a strong background in structural analysis and design, with experience in spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable aerospace hardware.

Responsibilities

• Ensure structural integrity from early concept through flight, performing high-fidelity structural analyses
• Develop finite element models to evaluate structural margins across launch and on-orbit environments
• Conduct structural trade studies to optimize mass, stiffness, manufacturability, and system integration
• Build and maintain spacecraft finite element models (FEM) using tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, or equivalent
• Generate analysis-ready models from CAD assemblies (Creo or similar) and ensure consistency between design and analysis configurations
• Develop analysis workflows and modeling practices to support rapid design iteration
• Support structural testing campaigns including vibration, acoustic, shock, and static load testing
• Correlate FEM results with test data and update models to improve predictive capability
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, propulsion, avionics, GNC, and thermal teams to ensure structural compatibility across spacecraft systems
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and program milestones to ensure structural readiness
• Identify structural risks early and propose mitigation strategies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Structural Engineering
• 7+ years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable aerospace hardware
• Strong experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar
• Expertise analyzing launch and dynamic environments, including sine/random vibration, shock, and acoustic loads
• Experience supporting structural testing and model correlation using real hardware test data
• Knowledge of aerospace structural materials, joints, fasteners, and lightweight structural design techniques
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams

Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft structural environments and mission loads
• Familiarity with composite structures, thin-walled pressure vessels, or propulsion system structures
• Experience supporting environmental test campaigns, including instrumentation and fixture design
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for analysis automation or post-processing
• Experience with fracture mechanics tools such as NASGRO
• Knowledge of aerospace structural standards such as NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, or MIL-STD-1540
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Proficiency in CAD software (Creo, SolidWorks, NX)
• Experience with structural analysis software (NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS)
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes

Benefits

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, and 401(k) matching. We also offer highly competitive equity grants as part of our total compensation package.

Pay

$125,000 to $175,000 base salary, plus comprehensive benefits and equity

Schedule

Full-time position available in Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA