Structural Analyst II

Quantum Space • Rockville, MD

7d • $100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Quantum Space is seeking a Structural Analyst II to support the design, analysis, and development of structural systems for next-generation spacecraft platforms. The role contributes to structural integrity throughout the development lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through hardware testing, verification, and flight readiness. The analyst performs structural analyses, develops high-fidelity finite element models, and supports engineering decisions that balance structural performance, mass efficiency, and manufacturability.

The position works with mechanical, propulsion, avionics, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), thermal, and systems engineering teams to help ensure the reliability and performance of mission-critical spacecraft structures. The role is based in Rockville, Maryland, and requires eligibility to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Structural Engineering.
• At least 2 years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable aerospace hardware.
• Experience with finite element analysis tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar.
• Experience building structural models directly from CAD assemblies using Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent.
• Experience analyzing launch and dynamic environments, including sine and random vibration, shock, and acoustic loads.
• Experience supporting structural testing and model correlation using real hardware test data.
• Knowledge of aerospace structural materials, joints, fasteners, and lightweight structural design techniques.
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with spacecraft structural environments and mission loads.
• Familiarity with composite structures, thin-walled pressure vessels, or propulsion system structures.
• Experience supporting environmental test campaigns, including instrumentation and fixture design.
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for analysis automation or post-processing.
• Experience with fracture mechanics tools such as NASGRO.
• Familiarity with aerospace structural standards such as NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, or MIL-STD-1540.
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct structural analysis and assist with design efforts for spacecraft primary and secondary structures.
• Perform static, modal, vibration, shock, acoustic, and thermal-structural coupling analyses.
• Develop finite element models to evaluate structural margins in launch and on-orbit environments.
• Build and maintain spacecraft finite element models using NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, or equivalent tools.
• Generate analysis-ready models from CAD assemblies and maintain consistency between design and analysis configurations.
• Support vibration, acoustic, shock, and static-load structural testing campaigns.
• Correlate finite element model results with test data and update models to improve predictive capability.
• Collaborate with mechanical, propulsion, avionics, GNC, and thermal teams to ensure structural compatibility across spacecraft systems.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and program milestones to ensure structural readiness.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous leave.
• HSA.
• 401(k) matching.
• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of total compensation.

What This Job Offers

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