Structural Analyst II

Quantum Space • Rockville, MD

6d

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 helps ensure structural integrity throughout the development lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through hardware testing, verification, and flight readiness. The analyst will perform structural analyses, develop high-fidelity finite element models, and inform engineering decisions balancing structural performance, mass efficiency, and manufacturability.

The position works closely with mechanical, propulsion, avionics, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), thermal, and systems engineering teams. It is suited to an engineer with strong analytical and structural modeling skills who enjoys solving complex challenges in a fast-paced environment.

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/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, including ITAR.

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 across 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 ensure consistency between design and analysis configurations.
• Support structural testing campaigns, including vibration, acoustic, shock, and static load testing.
• 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.
• Equity, with highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers.
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous leave.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• 401(k) matching.

What This Job Offers

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