Lead Structural Analysis Engineer – Space Hardware

My Project Box; München; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

My Project Box Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced Lead Structural Analysis Engineer to head a team of engineers responsible for complex analyses of spacecraft hardware. You will develop and validate FEMs, perform structural and thermal analyses, and ensure compliance with ESA/ECSS standards.

Strong leadership and an international, collaborative environment are defining aspects of the role. The position offers a competitive base salary (€80,000–€120,000 gross per year) with a discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• 10+ years of structural analysis experience in the European space industry.
• 6+ years hands-on analysis of space hardware (satellites/spacecraft components).
• 3+ years of engineering leadership overseeing teams of five or more.
• Strong FEMAP and NASTRAN expertise; experience with thermal analysis.
• Familiar with ESA/ECSS structural verification standards.
• Master's or PhD in Structural/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• Excellent English communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of structural analysis engineers of at least six.
• Develop, validate, and optimise complex finite element models for space hardware.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses including static, dynamic and coupled FEM.
• Support launch, on-orbit and qualification load case analyses.
• Collaborate with systems, design, manufacturing and engineering teams.
• Prepare technical reports and verification documentation; ensure standards compliance.
• Continuously improve simulation methodologies and engineering workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

English proficiency

Education

Master's or PhD in Structural/Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

ANSYS APDL/Workbench

Python

MATLAB

FORTRAN

Job description

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Lead Structural Analysis Engineer to join an innovative technology company operating in the European space sector.

In this role, you will lead and mentor a team of Structural Analysis Engineers while taking responsibility for complex structural and thermal analyses of spacecraft hardware.

You will contribute to demanding space programmes, ensuring that structural simulations, verification activities and engineering processes meet the highest technical standards.

This opportunity is specifically suited to an experienced space industry professional with a strong background in spacecraft and satellite hardware analysis and proven engineering leadership experience.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of at least six Structural Analysis Engineers

• Develop, validate and optimise complex finite element models for space hardware

• Perform structural and thermal analyses, including static, dynamic and coupled simulations using FEMAP/NASTRAN

• Support launch, in-orbit and qualification load case analyses

• Collaborate with systems, design, manufacturing and engineering teams

• Prepare and review technical reports, structural verification documentation and calculation reports

• Ensure compliance with relevant ESA/ECSS structural verification standards

• Continuously improve simulation methodologies, automation scripts and engineering workflows

What We're Looking For

Essential requirements:

• At least 10 years of structural analysis experience within the European space industry

• At least 6 years of hands-on experience analysing structural hardware for space programmes, such as satellites or spacecraft components

• At least 3 years of engineering leadership experience, ideally managing teams of five or more engineers

• Strong expertise in FEMAP and NASTRAN

• Extensive experience with structural and thermal analysis of spacecraft hardware

• Solid knowledge of ESA/ECSS structural verification standards

• Master's degree or PhD in Structural, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• Excellent English communication skills

• Strong leadership, problem-solving and communication abilities

Nice to have:

• ANSYS APDL / Workbench experience

• Non-linear finite element analysis experience

• Composite structures experience

• Python, MATLAB or FORTRAN programming and automation skills

What You’ll Get

• Competitive annual base salary of €80,000-€120,000 gross, depending on experience and qualifications

• Additional discretionary performance bonus, potentially paid up to twice per year

• The opportunity to work on real European space programmes and hardware with visible technical impact

• A leadership position with influence over engineering decisions and project delivery

• An international, highly skilled engineering team

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements

• A modern working environment near Munich

• Long-term career development within a specialist technology business

Important

Direct structural analysis experience within the European space industry is essential.

Candidates whose experience is primarily in general aerospace, aviation, automotive or launcher development without substantial spacecraft hardware analysis experience are unlikely to meet the requirements.

Interested?

If you have extensive experience in structural analysis for space hardware and a proven track record of leading engineering teams, we'd love to hear from you.