Structural Analyst, Space Emerging Talent

About the Role

You'll own spacecraft and payload structural analysis from conceptual design through environmental testing and launch. You will work across both static and dynamic analysis. Most programs are early-stage, so you'll shape designs from the start and see your analysis carry hardware all the way to orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform static and dynamic stress analysis — starting with hand calculations and first-order models before moving to detailed computational methods.
• Quantify load cases and environments for launch and on-orbit operations; determine strength, life, and safety margins.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to guide design decisions based on analysis results.
• Support test campaigns — instrumentation selection, execution, data processing, and model correlation.
• Lead trade studies and mass optimization efforts.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to internal teams and customers.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• BS or higher in engineering or applied physics with a focus in structures.
• Strong foundation in statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and materials properties.
• First-principles mindset — comfortable starting with hand calculations to frame problems before reaching for detailed tools.
• Experience with CAD tools (NX, Solidworks, or similar).
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for analytical models and data processing.
• Involvement in a hands-on technical project — competitive engineering club (FSAE, Baja, rocket team, aerospace club) or a co-op/internship analyzing or designing real hardware.
• Highly motivated, self-starting, and comfortable working autonomously.
• Organized and willing to define scope for problems with undefined requirements.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN).
• Structural testing experience — sensor selection, data acquisition, and post-processing.
• Co-op or internship in a startup or fast-paced engineering environment.
• Familiarity with industry standards for materials (MMPDS) or analysis methodologies (GSFC-STD-7000, NASA-HDBK-7002, NASA-STD-5020).
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.