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Structural Engineer Spacecraft

Houston, TX
 

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

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