Structural Analyst - Spacecraft Engineering

Location: San Francisco, CA, USA or Louisville, CO, USA

Responsibilities: Perform detailed structural analyses for spacecraft, payloads, and ground support hardware. Develop, correlate, and maintain high-fidelity finite element models for static, dynamic, thermal, and nonlinear analyses. Generate component-level dynamic environments, including vibration, shock, acoustic loads, and thermal limits from launch and thermal environments. Generate structural margins of safety according to customer and industry standards. Provide analytical recommendations for engineering trade studies and critical project decisions. Partner with and mentor design engineers to improve structures for strength, stiffness, weight, manufacturability, and cost. Evaluate structural performance under launch, transportation, and operational environments. Perform linear and nonlinear static, modal, frequency response, random vibration, shock, buckling, fatigue, fracture mechanics, thermal stress, contact, and large-deformation analyses. Develop, validate, and update Craig-Bampton reduced-order models for integrated vehicle dynamic analyses and customer interface requirements. Deliver Craig-Bampton models to SpaceX and other launch service providers according to provided specifications. Prepare structural analysis reports, certification documentation, and technical presentations for internal and external customers. Support hardware qualification and acceptance testing through pre-test predictions and post-test correlation. Assist with vibration test fixture design and test setup, including accelerometer placement. Apply knowledge of notching and other force-limiting techniques. Review test response results and evaluate the impact on components when test levels are exceeded. Participate in PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR design reviews. Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions. Collaborate with manufacturing and test teams to resolve structural issues during production and integration. Develop standardized structural analysis approaches, tools, and documentation to support Capella's growth.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.5+ years of structural analysis experience supporting aerospace or spaceflight hardware. Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, structural dynamics, and aerospace structural design. Knowledge of launch vehicle environments, coupled loads analysis, vibration, shock, and acoustic loading. Experience analyzing metallic and composite structures using classical hand calculations, FEA, and other computer-aided methods. Familiarity with aerospace materials, fastener design, joints, and bonded assemblies. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing processes. Experience generating and correlating Craig-Bampton reduced-order models. Experience with NASTRAN and developing and running finite element models. Proficiency with pre/post-processing software such as HyperMesh, Patran, FEMAP, or equivalent. Ability to make technically sound decisions under schedule constraints. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence and flight safety. Ability to communicate complex structural concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Excellent technical communication and documentation skills.

Preferred: Experience supporting spacecraft, satellites, and launch vehicles. Experience delivering structural dynamic models to launch providers such as SpaceX.Experience correlating analytical models with qualification and flight-test data. Experience with additively manufactured structures. Knowledge of NASA, DoD, ESA, or commercial space structural verification requirements. Experience with SolidWorks 2024 for CAD.Experience with ANSYS, Adams, NASGRO, ABAQUS, or similar analysis tools. Experience with optimization, scripting, or automation using Python, MATLAB, or similar languages. Familiarity with PLM and configuration management systems such as ARAS.

Benefits and Compensation: Base salary range: $192,979 to $276,722 USD.Total compensation includes base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Matching 401(k).Unlimited paid time off. Paid holidays. Parental and adoption leave. Legal insurance. Home technology stipend. Compensation may vary based on education, qualifications, experience, office location, market data, and internal equity.

Travel: Up to 10%, domestic or international. The position is based onsite in either San Francisco, CA or Louisville, CO.The role involves access to technology subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment may require U.S. Person status, the required government authorization, or an applicable license exception. Applicants may be asked additional immigration-status questions for export-control compliance.