Senior Space Systems Structural Engineer

Remote/Hybrid: Must be local to Seattle area

Key Responsibilities:

• Structural Analysis & Modeling: Conduct advanced structural analysis of spacecraft components, including modeling, simulation, and verification under various load conditions (launch, in-orbit, re-entry, etc.).
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Utilize FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus) to analyze stress, strain, thermal response, vibration modes, and fatigue life of spacecraft structures.
• Design Optimization: Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structural designs for weight, strength, and cost.
• Structural Integrity & Reliability: Assess structural integrity, identify failure modes, and ensure compliance with spaceflight standards.
• Performance Evaluation: Analyze spacecraft performance during mission phases and propose structural solutions.
• Testing & Validation: Support structural testing programs (static load, vibration, thermal-vacuum) and correlate test data with analysis models.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare detailed analysis reports and communicate technical findings to cross-functional teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with systems, propulsion, thermal, avionics, and materials engineers to ensure integrated spacecraft designs.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Guide junior engineers and interns in structural analysis best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering.
• Experience: 5-10 years of experience in space industry structural analysis and modeling.
• FEA Proficiency: Expertise in FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus).
• Spacecraft Structural Design: In-depth knowledge of spacecraft structural design and materials.
• Space Environment Understanding: Familiarity with space environmental conditions (thermal, vibration, acoustic).
• In-Space Demonstration: Experience with in-space demonstrated designs.

Skills:

• Structural Analysis: Strong understanding of structural dynamics, stress, and fatigue analysis.
• Space Industry Standards: Knowledge of aerospace industry standards (NASA, SMC, ESA, MIL-STD).
• Technical Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in FEA tools, Microsoft Office, and CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree: Master's or PhD in relevant engineering field.
• Hands-on Space Mission Experience: Experience in spacecraft design, analysis, and testing.

Personal Attributes:

• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Collaboration: Effective teamwork and communication skills.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Self-Motivation: Proactive and results-oriented.