Structural Analyst III – Lunar Permanence

Role Overview

• Own full-vehicle structural analysis from concept through qualification, including assumptions, modeling approach, documentation, and margin closure
• Develop, maintain, and execute finite element models (FEM) at component, subsystem, and vehicle level; ensure model configuration control and traceability
• Operate Hyper-X for analysis workflows and deliverables; integrate tool outputs into substantiation and reporting
• Perform structural assessments across relevant environments, as applicable: Quasi-static and inertial loads, Coupled loads analysis (CLA) support, Modal, random vibration, sine vibration, acoustic, and shock response, Buckling, stiffness/deflection, load path validation
• Create and review stress reports, substantiation packages, and certification/qualification artifacts (methods, results, margins, sensitivities)
• Conduct hand calculations to validate FEM results and support rapid trades
• Evaluate and uprate existing structures to carry higher loads, including: Identifying limiting load paths, local hot spots, and driving failure modes, Reanalyzing updated load cases and environments, updating margins, and documenting impacts, Recommending and substantiating reinforcement/redesign options (doublers, stiffeners, thicker gages, joint redesign, material changes, interface updates)
• Supporting retrofit/repair dispositions and verification plans (analysis and/or test)
• Partner with design, systems, loads & dynamics, thermal, manufacturing, and test to: Define analysis requirements and acceptance criteria, Support hardware builds and resolve nonconformances (MRB analysis support as needed), Drive structural risk retirement via testing and correlation
• Support design trades (mass, stiffness, frequency, packaging, manufacturability) and provide actionable recommendations early in the design cycle
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to improving team standards, templates, and analysis best practices

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil/Structural Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred)
• 7+ years of professional experience performing structural/stress analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, aircraft, or similarly rigorous flight hardware
• Demonstrated ability to lead/own analysis for a complex system through design phases and into qualification
• Strong proficiency with FEM development and structural analysis methods, including boundary condition definition, load application, result interpretation, and model validation
• Ability to operate Hyper-X and apply it effectively to deliver program-quality analysis outputs
• Experience producing clear, review-ready technical documentation (stress reports, analysis memos, margin summaries) and presenting results at design reviews
• Working knowledge of spaceflight structural environments and verification approaches (analysis vs. test, correlation, uncertainty factors)
• Desired: Experience with space-rated structures (primary structure, load-bearing assemblies, appendages, mechanisms support structure)
• Background in one or more of the following: Dynamics/pyroshock, vibro-acoustics, or CLA workflows
• Composite structures (laminates, sandwich panels, ply-level allowables, failure criteria)
• Fracture mechanics / damage tolerance / fatigue (as applicable to program standards)
• Joint analysis (bolted joints, inserts, bonded joints), and interface load paths
• Familiarity with typical aerospace FEA solvers and pre/post processing tools (in addition to Hyper-X)
• Test correlation experience (modal test correlation, static proof/limit testing, vibe/acoustic correlation)
• Comfortable working in an agile development setting with shifting priorities and rapid iterations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results