Senior Structural Dynamics Analyst, Deployable Antenna Structures

E-Space • Arlington, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

E-Space is hiring a senior individual contributor to own the structural analysis backbone of its Integrated Antenna Structure team. The role focuses on a large, lightweight, flexible, geometrically nonlinear deployable spacecraft antenna with low-frequency modes. The analyst will build and maintain the integrated finite element model (FEM) of the deployed antenna assembly, predict its dynamics, correlate it against test data, and allocate structural requirements from the system level to contributing teams. This is a structural dynamics position rather than a stress-analysis role; the analyst is expected to perform the modeling and analysis personally. The position is based onsite in Arlington, Texas, with required hands-on bench work and test-facility presence, plus some travel between sites.

The work includes deployed-state structural performance analysis, requirements allocation and error-budget management, model-test correlation throughout the verification and validation test pyramid, deployment analysis, and test prediction and interpretation for both deployed and stowed antenna configurations. The analyst will assess structural risks from design changes and interface deviations and provide input to anomaly investigations. The position is full-time and exempt. E-Space states it cannot currently provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the role's location.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Structural dynamics must be the primary discipline, with demonstrated work in modal analysis, frequency response, and eigenvalue methods.
• Proficiency in FEA tools such as Nastran, ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent for modal, static, and linear dynamics problems.
• Personal responsibility for at least one model-test correlation against modal or vibration test data, including diagnosing a case where model and test disagreed.
• Ability to build and maintain a system-level integrated FEM incorporating inputs from multiple contributing teams at different fidelity levels.
• Structural analysis experience with flight or high-reliability hardware, including margins and requirements compliance.
• Must hold work authorization for the location of the role; E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship.
• Flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods.
• Onsite work in Arlington, Texas, including hands-on bench work and test-facility presence; some travel between sites is expected.

Nice To Haves

• The preferred qualifications repeat the listed required qualifications: a BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent; structural dynamics as the primary discipline; FEA proficiency; personal model-test correlation experience; ability to maintain a system-level integrated FEM; and structural analysis experience with flight or high-reliability hardware.
• Direct experience in LEO satellite component development, design, and in-orbit activities is highlighted as especially compelling.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrated FEM of the deployed antenna assembly, integrating stiffness and mass properties from component teams at available fidelity levels and identifying weaknesses in the combined model.
• Perform deployed-state structural performance analysis, including modal survey prediction, static deflection under on-orbit thermal and attitude-control loads, and margin-of-safety verification.
• Develop and maintain structural requirements allocation and the error budget; flow system-level performance requirements down to component-level stiffness, mass, and CTE requirements, and track margin consumption as the design changes.
• Lead model-test correlation at each level of the V&V test pyramid by producing pre-test predictions, updating model parameters only when changes are physically justified, and maintaining a documented correlation record.
• Analyze antenna deployment, including deployment kinematics, tensioning loads, deployment force margins, and deployment dynamics.
• Provide test predictions to the Mechanical Test Engineer and help distinguish gravity-offload rig effects from antenna behavior.
• Provide pre-test predictions and structural response interpretation for vibration and shock testing of the stowed antenna assembly, working with the Mechanical Test Engineer.
• Assess structural risk from design changes and interface deviations, and provide structural input to anomaly investigations.
• Perform hands-on bench work and be present at test facilities; travel between sites as needed.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth and development, continuous learning, and development.
• Support and investment in the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of team members and their families.
• Health and wellness care options.
• Optional legal services (US only).
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive salaries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior