Senior Structures Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About The Company

Our client is building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with return capability transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an exceptional Structures Engineer to own the primary and secondary structures of their spacecraft. As a small team, they don’t have distinct design and analysis groups. This role is a mix between design, analysis, and build. You will be responsible for delivering lightweight structures for reusable satellites to provide high cadence, high reliability space operations. You'll be working at the forefront of aerospace technology, solving complex challenges that have profound implications for the future of commercial spaceflight.

• Be responsible for a novel spacecraft structure from cradle to grave

• Create high performance metallic and composite structures designed to be flown multiple times

• Support the first of its kind refurbishment and reflight of satellite hardware

• Work directly with technical leadership to shape the future of space transportation

• Join a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challenges

Responsibilities

You'll lead the structural design, analysis and execution of vehicles structures, including:

• Design and analysis of lightweight metallic and composite structures.

• Managing interfaces for components and payloads between multiple stakeholders and owning vehicle layout

• Supporting full vehicle analysis including required FEM deliverables for the launch provider

• Supporting integration and test with work instructions and GSE design

• Determining test requirements and designing test equipment for QTP and ATP.

• Driving trade studies across complex variable sets to optimize for performance, cost, and manufacturability

• Collaborating with external partners including vendors, customers, and government stakeholders

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical or Structural Engineering

• 8+ years of aerospace engineering experience, focused on spacecraft systems, launch systems, or hypersonic reentry systems with system-level hardware ownership

• Hands on experience with hardware assembly, integration, and test

• Proven track record leading technical projects from concept through flight on aggressive timelines

• Deep understanding of mechanical first principles and structural analysis methods

• Expert in FEA for static, dynamic, and transient analysis (FEMAP or ANSYS)

• Strong understanding of GD&T following ASME Y14.5

• Strong design and integration skills using 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferable)

• Strong background in materials selection and manufacturing methods for aerospace applications

• Demonstrated ability to excel in dynamic, high-stakes engineering environments

Preferred Experience

• MS in Mechanical or Structural Engineering

• Experience with design and analysis of hot structures

• Experience with design and analysis for fatigue

• Experience with design, analysis, and manufacturing of composites

• Experience with SMC-S-016 and/or NASA General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS)

• Early-stage startup experience

*The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Logistical Requirements

• They are based in Denver, CO and have a hybrid scheduling

ITAR Requirement

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefit Highlights

Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

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CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profile

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