Structural Engineer
$90,000–$135,000 year
On-siteGolden, Colorado, United States
Job Summary
Own space-grade structures, mechanisms, and electromechanical assemblies from concept through detailed design, qualification, production, and on-orbit operation. Lead structural analysis for the program, including modal, quasi-static, random vibration, sine, shock, buckling, bolted-joint, and thermo-elastic analysis. Develop finite element models to predict design responses and set structural load, environment, and test requirements for components and full spacecraft. Correlate models to test data using instrumentation such as accelerometers and strain gauges. Partner with manufacturing and suppliers on producible designs, produce detailed drawings and GD&T, and build structural design best practices while mentoring junior engineers. This individual-contributor role supports Rendezvous Robotics' electromagnetic self-assembling tiles that enable bigger, more powerful spacecraft.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
- 5+ years of spacecraft, launch-vehicle, or comparable flight-hardware design and structural analysis experience
- Demonstrated cradle-to-grave ownership of flight hardware—carrying mechanisms or structural assemblies from concept through design, analysis, qualification, and on-orbit operation
- Strong command of one or more industry-standard structural FEA packages (Nastran/Femap, ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.), with demonstrated modal, quasi-static, random vibration, buckling, and bolted-joint analysis experience
- Working knowledge of launch and on-orbit load environments, factors of safety, and margin-of-safety reporting
- Hands-on structural dynamics testing experience and model-to-test correlation
- Proficiency with CAD tools for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and tolerance stack-ups, and with GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
- Strong ability to communicate across engineering disciplines to make program-critical decisions
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Desired Qualifications
- Experience analyzing composite structures (classical lamination theory, joints, material characterization)
- Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for analysis and data processing
- Familiarity with NASA (e.g., NASA-STD-5020, GEVS) and/or SMC-S-016 verification standards
- Experience with fatigue, fracture, and damage-tolerance methods (e.g., NASGRO)
- Experience analyzing space-rated avionics, electronics, and PCB/PCBA assemblies
- Proficiency with Onshape (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo also valued)
- Familiarity with separation systems, deployables, or precision mechanisms
- Hands-on R&D background—prototyping, testing, and iterating on novel mechanical concepts
- Experience in a startup or fast-iteration hardware environment
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