Senior Structural Analysis Engineer
About The Position
As a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer at BlackSky, you will support the development, verification, and testing of satellite systems and supporting hardware. You will build finite element models of space hardware, including electromechanical devices, deployed and stowed appendages, fully integrated satellites, and ground support equipment. You will use these models to evaluate environments and structural performance and determine flightworthiness from the full satellite design down to component-level assemblies. You will participate in the test process by generating test procedures, conducting pre-test analysis, determining instrumentation locations, conducting tests, reducing test data, and performing post-test model correlation. You will work closely with satellite operators and launch service providers to ensure design compatibility with launch loads and to generate and submit verification artifacts. This role collaborates with a fast-paced, highly skilled technical team focused on producing state-of-the-art satellites. The position reports to the Director, Mechanical Engineering. It is hybrid and based at BlackSky’s Tukwila, Washington office, with remote candidates also considered. The role involves 15–30% travel onsite.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
- At least six years of professional experience performing structural analysis on spacecraft or launch vehicle structures and components.
- Ability to set up and perform structural analysis on satellite components, satellite systems, launch vehicle adapters, and other complex integrated assemblies.
- Demonstrated successful experience performing static, modal, and vibration analyses to predict forces, stresses, deflections, and vibration responses.
- Proficiency with NASTRAN analysis software.
- Proficiency with Femap or Patran pre- and post-processors.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in a vibration test lab, including instrumentation definition and installation, test-article installation, GSE design, and test-control software operation.
- Experience developing analysis and test-results processing tools using Excel, MATLAB, and/or Python.
Responsibilities
- Perform moderate-scale structural analysis efforts with substantial cross-functional coordination.
- Develop and maintain component-, subassembly-, and satellite-level finite element models (FEMs).
- Perform and document finite element analyses for modal, stress, and vibration performance.
- Document design, analysis, and test results in technical reports and presentations.
- Iterate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize designs.
- Create and execute structural test plans and procedures for vibration, shock, and static loads.
- Develop and maintain structural analysis software tools.
- Seek new technologies, tools, and approaches to maintain BlackSky’s position in efficient space system engineering.
- Address varying launch-load conditions across combinations of launch environments and payload assemblies.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
- Support satellite system and hardware development, verification, and testing.
- Generate test procedures, conduct pre-test analysis, determine instrumentation locations, conduct tests, reduce test data, and perform post-test model correlation.
- Coordinate with satellite operators and launch service providers on launch-load compatibility and verification artifacts.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, and voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
- BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only medical, dental, and vision premiums and contributes $100 per month for out-of-pocket expenses.
- 15 days of PTO, 11 company holidays, and four floating holidays, prorated based on hire date.
- One day of paid volunteerism leave per year.
- Parental leave.
- 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program.
- Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs.
- Employer matching donations.
- Professional development.
- Choice of Mac or PC.
- Company swag.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
