Spaceplane Structural Analyst — Shape Flight-Critical Design

Matchbox; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Dawn Aerospace is seeking a Structural Analyst to join our Spaceplane team in Christchurch, NZ. You will develop and validate structures enabling routine, scalable access to space and work with world-class engineers across aero, propulsion, avionics, systems, composites and manufacturing.

You will perform structural analysis and testing planning for both composite and metallic airframe components, collaborating to optimise weight, performance and manufacturability while supporting certification

Qualifications

• An appropriate qualification in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years' professional experience performing structural analysis in aerospace, aviation, motorsport or another high-performance engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, laminate theory and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with structural analysis software such as 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA/SIMULIA (preferred), Abaqus, Ansys or equivalent.
• Experience with structural testing of composite and metallic materials, components or assemblies.
• Familiarity with aerospace structural verification, validation and certification methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working in a rapid development, prototype or flight-test environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures and components.
• Develop analytical and finite element models to predict structural performance under flight, ground and test loading conditions.
• Evaluate the static strength, stiffness, stability, fatigue and damage tolerance of composite and metallic structures.
• Develop structural load cases and certification substantiation approaches.
• Plan and execute materials testing programmes to characterise and validate material properties in support of structural analysis, optimisation and certification activities.
• Support structural test planning, execution and correlation activities, including investigation of structural anomalies and failures.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers to optimise structures for weight, performance and manufacturability.
• Support design reviews and technical decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of structural analysis methods, design processes, tools and engineering standards.
• Work across disciplines to help deliver integrated vehicle solutions from concept through to flight.

Skills

Structural analysis

Composite materials

Finite element analysis

Communication skills

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or Physics degree

Tools

3DEXPERIENCE CATIA/SIMULIA

Abaqus

Ansys

Job description

Dawn Aerospace is seeking a Structural Analyst to join our Spaceplane team in Christchurch, NZ. You will develop and validate structures enabling routine, scalable access to space and work with world-class engineers across aero, propulsion, avionics, systems, composites and manufacturing.

You will perform structural analysis and testing planning for both composite and metallic airframe components, collaborating to optimise weight, performance and manufacturability while supporting certification