Structural Engineer

NewOrbit Space; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company is seeking a Structural Engineer to ensure the integrity of their innovative satellites. The successful candidate will employ rigorous analysis and simulations while collaborating across teams to develop lightweight structures for cutting-edge applications in low Earth orbits. Join a mission that is transforming satellite technology with unique propulsion systems.

Benefits

Equity and Competitive Salary

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Opportunity for Impact on Innovative Technology

Qualifications

• Proven experience with structural analysis for space or other high-performance systems.
• Strong understanding of vibrations and strength in aerospace environments.
• Experience with launch-related load cases.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of satellite components under mechanical loads.
• Guide material selection and support structural design choices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product iteration.

Skills

Structural analysis

Materials knowledge

Mechanical loading

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

HyperWorks

ANSYS

Job description

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At NewOrbit Space, our mission it to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

As a Satellite Structural Engineer at NewOrbit Space, you will be responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of our spacecraft and propulsion systems through rigorous analysis, simulation, and testing. You’ll work at the intersection of advanced materials, complex mechanical loading, and fast-paced design iteration - ensuring a reliable satellite system that survive launch and thrive in orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of satellite and propulsion system components under mechanical, acoustic, and shock loads.
• Use FEM tools (e.g., HyperWorks) to model and simulate stress, vibration, and dynamic response of complex assemblies.
• Guide material selection and structural design choices based on performance and manufacturability.
• Develop and support vibration, shock, and acoustic test campaigns; interpret and correlate test data with simulation models.
• Recommend and implement design changes to pass qualification and acceptance-level structural tests.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, systems, and manufacturing teams to support rapid product iteration.
• Contribute to the development of robust, lightweight, and reliable spacecraft structures under aggressive timelines.
  
  

Fundamental Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience with structural analysis for space or other high-performance mechanical systems.
• Proficient in FEM tools (e.g., HyperWorks, ANSYS) and structural simulation workflows.
• Strong understanding of materials, stiffness, strength, vibrations, and resonances in aerospace environments.
• Experience with launch-related load cases: random vibration, shock, quasi-static, and acoustic loads.
• Hands-on experience with structural ground testing and post-test analysis.
• Thrives in a high-paced, collaborative engineering environment with tight development cycles.
• Comfortable with preliminary structural assessment via hand calculations in addition to modelling.
  
  

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
• Unmatched Ownership and Impact –You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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