Structural Engineer Spacecraft

Structural/Stress Engineer
Houston, Denver, or Tucson
US Citizen


Description of Duties

• Independently and collaboratively perform static structural, fatigue, and fracture analyses of aerospace components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop static, dynamic, and fatigue test plans and procedures, including special test equipment and sensor placement
• Conduct data analysis and correlate analytical models with test results
• Partner with design engineers to drive weight‑optimized, structurally sound component designs
• Produce formal engineering documentation, including technical memoranda, analysis reports, design and development books, and product manuals
• Operate effectively in a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary environment with evolving requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to derive vehicle load paths and reaction loads using free‑body diagrams
• Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods (e.g., Bruhn, Niu, Roark)
• Strong foundation in first‑principles methods for performing first‑order static structural hand calculations
• Demonstrated proficiency with one or more analysis tools: NX FEMAP, PATRAN, Nastran, ANSYS, ABAQUS
• Expertise in FEM modeling techniques, including boundary conditions, mid‑surfacing, element selection, structural idealization, bolted connections, contact modeling, and verification methods
• Proficiency in structural analysis of aerospace systems and components, including:
  • Linear and nonlinear static analysis
  • Stability analysis
  • Sine and random vibration analysis
  • Shock and impact analysis
• Ability to analyze structural stability (local buckling, global buckling, crippling) using classical methods and FEM
• Experience performing bolted‑joint calculations (bolt preload, joint stiffness, shear‑tension interaction, insert pull‑out, etc.) in accordance with NASA‑STD‑5020
• Support for internal/external design reviews, TIMs, and PDR/CDR milestones
• Experience with the design and development of spacecraft, spacesuits, aircraft, military systems, or other relevant vehicles and subsystems
• Understanding of the full engineering product lifecycle—from requirements development through design, manufacturing, testing, and operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Project)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships; demonstrate creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness, sound judgment, tact, and a sense of humor
• Ability to review and guide junior engineers’ designs and analyses, providing mentorship and technical leadership

Desired Experience

• Background in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Life Support System Design
  • Crew Systems Design
  • Crew Cabin Design
  • Mechanical Design
  • Mechanical Analysis
• Strong understanding of fatigue and fracture mechanics, including experience with AFGRO/NASGRO, spectra development, NDE methods, fail‑safe vs. safe‑life approaches, and NASA‑STD‑5019
• Experience modeling and simulating electronics components and associated failure modes
• Expertise in welded joint analysis
• Experience with mechanical mechanisms such as bearings, valves, motors, rotating joints, and gears
• Ability to manipulate SolidWorks CAD models directly for analysis and team collaboration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 1–2 years of relevant industry experience
• Master’s degree in the same fields and 0–1 years of relevant experience
• PhD in Mechanical, Bio‑mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering
• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident