Head of Structures

Job Description

Job Description

The Mission

Space is the bleeding edge for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air travel. At Lux Aeterna, we're building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability - transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Structures to own and lead all structural and mechanical design and analysis for Lux Aeterna's reusable spacecraft. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the discipline end-to-end - from primary and secondary structures and mechanisms through full-vehicle analysis, test, and reflight. You'll build and lead the team that delivers lightweight, reusable structures capable of surviving launch, orbit, and reentry repeatedly while supporting high-cadence, high-reliability space operations. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Own the structural and mechanical architecture of a novel, reusable spacecraft from cradle to grave

• Build, mentor, and scale the structures, mechanical design, and analysis team

• Define the standards, tools, and processes that govern structural design and verification across the company

• Pioneer the first-of-its-kind refurbishment and reflight of satellite hardware

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

Why Lux Aeterna?

• Pioneering Technology: We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way highway

• Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure

• Speed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards

• World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

The Role

You'll lead the structural and mechanical engineering organization and own the discipline across the vehicle lifecycle, including:

• Leading all structural and mechanical design, analysis, and execution for the spacecraft, owning primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and vehicle layout

• Building and mentoring a team of structures, mechanical design, and analysis engineers, setting technical direction and growing the organization as the company scales

• Owning the structural analysis program - static, dynamic, transient, thermal, and fatigue - including FEM deliverables required by the launch provider

• Establishing design standards, analysis methods, factors of safety, and verification approaches, and driving the structural verification program (QTP and ATP) including test requirements and test equipment

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

• Managing structural and mechanical interfaces between payloads, components, and subsystems across multiple stakeholders

• Owning the structural lifecycle for reusability - inspection, refurbishment, and requalification for reflight

• Partnering with integration, GNC, thermal, propulsion, and manufacturing teams, and representing structures to external partners including vendors, customers, launch providers, and government stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering

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

• Demonstrated experience leading and growing structural/mechanical engineering teams

• Proven track record taking structures 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 background in lightweight metallic and composite structures, materials selection, and aerospace manufacturing methods

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

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

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

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

Desired Experience

• MS in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering

• Experience with design and analysis of hot structures and structures subject to reentry environments

• Experience with design and analysis for fatigue and reusable/multi-life hardware

• Experience with design, analysis, and manufacturing of composites

• Experience with mechanisms design and verification

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

• Early-stage startup experience

We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $175k-$250k per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities.

This position is also eligible for equity compensation, as applicable.

Lux Aeterna offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.

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