Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer

Orbit Fab • FL

67d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the structural analysis, design, and optimization of spacecraft and high-performance aerospace systems. In this role, you will take technical ownership of complex space mechanism and spacecraft assemblies from concept through production and operation, ensuring structural integrity and mission success in demanding launch and on-orbit environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or high-reliability aerospace systems.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar.
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) for design work and integration with FEMs.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, vibration, shock, and material properties.
• Experience with environmental test planning, execution, and model correlation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scripting tools (Python, MATLAB, or VBA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structural dynamics and verification.
• Expertise in fracture mechanics, nonlinear FEM, fatigue, and bolted joint analysis.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, DAQ systems).
• Familiarity with classical structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, NASA-STD methods).
• Proven technical leadership or mentorship of structural analysis teams or projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural static and dynamic analyses of spacecraft and aerospace hardware, including flight and ground support systems.
• Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity finite element models (FEMs) to predict structural performance under static, dynamic, acoustic, shock, and thermal environments.
• Plan, execute, and correlate environmental test campaigns (vibration, modal, and shock), comparing analytical and test data to verify design margins.
• Own subsystem structural design and analysis through all lifecycle phases — concept, design, test, and integration — ensuring cross-functional alignment with design, propulsion, electrical, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Develop automated data-processing and analysis workflows using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or VBA to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Document analysis methodologies and results, prepare test and verification reports, and present findings to internal teams, leadership, and customers.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development, analysis best practices, and process improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Fully covered benefits
• Discretionary time off
• Flexible work hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees