Senior Structures Engineer

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 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 Structures Engineer to own the primary and secondary structures of Lux Aeterna's spacecraft. As small team, we 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. This is a unique opportunity to:Be responsible for a novel spacecraft structure from cradle to graveCreate high performance metallic and composite structures designed to be flown multiple timesSupport the first of its kind refurbishment and reflight of satellite hardwareWork directly with technical leadership to shape the future of space transportationJoin a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challengesWhy 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 highwayReal Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructureSpeed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standardsWorld-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to spaceThe Role You'll lead the structural design, analysis and execution of our vehicles structures, including:Design and analysis of lightweight metallic and composite structures.Managing interfaces for components and payloads between multiple stakeholders and owning vehicle layoutSupporting full vehicle analysis including required FEM deliverables for the launch providerSupporting integration and test with work instructions and GSE designDetermining test requirements and designing test equipment for QTP and ATP.Driving trade studies across complex variable sets to optimize for performance, cost, and manufacturabilityCollaborating with external partners including vendors, customers, and government stakeholdersRequired Qualifications BS in Mechanical or Structural Engineering8+ years of aerospace engineering experience, focused on spacecraft systems, launch systems, or hypersonic reentry systems with system-level hardware ownershipHands on experience with hardware assembly, integration, and testProven track record leading technical projects from concept through flight on aggressive timelinesDeep understanding of mechanical first principles and structural analysis methodsExpert in FEA for static, dynamic, and transient analysis (FEMAP or ANSYS)Strong understanding of GD&T following ASME Y14.5Strong design and integration skills using 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferable)Strong background in materials selection and manufacturing methods for aerospace applicationsDemonstrated ability to excel in dynamic, high-stakes engineering environmentsDesired Experience MS in Mechanical or Structural EngineeringExperience with design and analysis of hot structuresExperience with design and analysis for fatigueExperience with design, analysis, and manufacturing of compositesExperience with SMC-S-016 and/or NASA General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS)Early-stage startup experienceWe 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.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.Powered by JazzHR