Senior Structural Analyst

Viasat, Inc.•Tempe, AZ

4d•$127,000 - $201,000

About The Position

Viasat is seeking a Mechanical Engineer & Structural Analyst to join our Commercial Space Systems engineering team. In this role, you will perform advanced structural analysis of spacecraft structures, payload components, mechanisms, and composites using aerospace industry best practices. You will serve as a technical resource in finite element modeling, stress analysis, and structural verification, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure our space products meet all mission, environmental, and reliability requirements. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex structural problems and brings experience in FEA for aerospace hardware. The position also involves design and packaging of electronics for space.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of relevant structural analysis experience developing spaceflight hardware
Experience with requirements for packaging electronics for a space environment.
Design experience creating 3D parts and assemblies using SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar tools.
Working knowledge of standard engineering materials, processes, and parts used in spaceflight products (metallics, polymers, composites, fasteners, rivets)
Demonstrated experience applying NASA standards, AIAA specifications, and MIL standards to structural design, testing, and qualification
Ability to generate high‑quality analysis documentation
Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles
Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally in a multidisciplinary team
US Citizenship required
Ability to travel up to 10%

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Understanding of aerospace structural analysis and test methodologies, including:
Static analysis and test
Normal modes and linear dynamics
Random vibration and shock response analysis and test
Fatigue and fracture-mechanics
Nonlinear finite element analysis
Composite materials and classical laminate theory
Mechanism analysis
Thermoelastic analysis
Launch vehicle environments and coupled loads analysis
Semi-empirical methods (Bruhn, ERNO)
Bonded and bolted joint analysis
Modal testing and model correlation experience
Experience with LS-DYNA or other explicit tools
Vibroacoustic analysis
Coding experience using Python, MATLAB
Experience with procedures for handling space flight hardware.
Experience with creating assembly drawings and work instructions.
Experience with EPDM software
Experience with RF component layout

Responsibilities

Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, payload components, mechanisms, electronics packaging, and precision structures.
Develop conceptual structural models to support proposals and trade studies
Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs), including linear static, nonlinear, modal, dynamic, buckling, random vibration, and thermal‑structural coupled analyses
Perform classical hand calculations to supplement FEA results
Produce detailed stress reports and slide packages to support design reviews
Develop structural requirements for systems based on mission specifications; develop lower tier requirements for components based on coupled analysis
Evaluate structural impacts of design changes, materials, manufacturing processes, and interfaces
Support structural analysis efforts across program phases: concept development, preliminary design, critical design, build, test, and launch
Support structural testing activities, including test plan development, test‑article design, correlation of FEMs, and verification of requirements
Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, materials engineers, and thermal analysts to optimize structural performance
Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards, including NASA, AIAA, and military standards
Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers.
To supplement the structural analysis work, you will also design electronics packaging for space. This includes CAD modeling, drawing creation, thermal and structural analysis, and build and test support.