Senior Staff Structural Analyst - Spacecraft Engineering

IonQ•San Francisco, CA

8d•$192,979 - $276,722•Onsite

About The Position

Capella, an IonQ company, is seeking a seasoned Structural Analyst to refine current analysis tools supporting the design, development, and qualification of hardware for space applications. The candidate will advance Capella’s FEA modeling and analysis capabilities by developing a standardized analysis approach with documentation, creating detailed FEA models of spacecraft and components for vehicle-level analysis and to output environments for design and test, and supporting design improvements. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the tools and processes guiding Capella’s growth from an early stage. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, systems, test, and program teams to ensure hardware meets performance, reliability, and mission requirements while adhering to aggressive development schedules. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in finite element analysis (FEA), structural dynamics, fracture mechanics, composite and metallic structures, and aerospace design practices. Experience supporting commercial and government spaceflight programs is highly desirable.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline
5+ years of structural analysis experience supporting aerospace or spaceflight hardware.
Ability to make technically sound decisions under schedule constraints.
Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Attention to detail with a commitment to engineering excellence and flight safety.
Ability to communicate complex structural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, structural dynamics, and aerospace structural design.
Knowledge of launch vehicle environments, coupled loads analysis, vibration, shock, and acoustic loading.
Experience analyzing metallic and composite structures, using both classical hand calculations as well as FEA and other computer aided methods.
Familiarity with aerospace materials, fastener design, joints, and bonded assemblies.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.
Excellent technical communication and documentation skills.
Experience generating and correlating Craig-Bampton reduced-order models
Software Experience: NASTRAN - developing and running finite element models
Proficiency with pre/post-processing software including HyperMesh, Patran, FEMAP, or equivalent.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.
Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.
Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting spacecraft, satellites, and launch vehicles.
Experience delivering structural dynamic models to launch providers, such as SpaceX.
Experience correlating analytical models with qualification and flight test data.
Experience with additively manufactured structures.
Knowledge of NASA, DoD, ESA, or commercial space structural verification requirements.
Software Experience: Solidworks 2024 for CAD
Experience with analysis tools such as: ANSYS, Adams, NASGRO, ABAQUS, etc.
Experience with optimization, scripting, or automation using Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
Familiarity with PLM and configuration management systems such as ARAS

Responsibilities

Perform detailed structural analyses for spacecraft, payload, and ground support hardware.
Develop, correlate, and maintain high-fidelity finite element models for static, dynamic, thermal, and nonlinear analyses.
Generate component level dynamic environments (vibe/shock), acoustic, loads, and thermal limits from launch environments and thermal environments.
Generate structural margins of safety in accordance with customer and industry standards.
Provide analytical recommendations that support engineering trade studies and critical project decisions.
Partner with and mentor design engineers to improve structures for strength, stiffness, weight, manufacturability, and cost.
Evaluate structural performance under launch, transportation, and operational environments.
Perform analyses including: Linear and nonlinear static analysis, Modal and frequency response analysis, Random vibration, Shock analysis, Buckling analysis, Fatigue and fracture mechanics, Thermal stress analysis, Contact and large-deformation analysis.
Develop, validate, and update Craig-Bampton reduced-order models (Component Mode Synthesis models) for integrated vehicle dynamic analyses and customer interface requirements, including delivery of Craig-Bampton models to SpaceX and other launch service providers in accordance with provided specifications.
Prepare structural analysis reports, certification documentation, and technical presentations for internal and external customers.
Support hardware qualification and acceptance testing through pre-test predictions and post-test correlation.
Strong understanding of vibration testing: Aid in fixture design and test setup (accelerometer locations, etc.), Understanding of notching and other force limiting techniques, Ability to review test response results and evaluate impacts on components when levels may be exceeded.
Participate in design reviews including PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.
Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.
Collaborate with manufacturing and test teams to resolve structural issues throughout production and integration.