Hypersonic Airframe Structures Engineer

Frontera Space; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Frontera Space is seeking a Structures Analysis Engineer to support airframe analysis and development for a hypersonic vehicle, using ANSYS and SolidWorks to model composite hardware from concept to test. The role includes ownership potential and cross-functional collaboration in Austin-area facilities.

The ideal candidate has experience with lightweight aerospace composites, composite mechanics, and FEA methods; familiarity with TPS interfaces and high-temperature structures is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Two years of experience in structural analysis, composite structures, aerospace applications, or structural test development.
• Working knowledge of ANSYS structural analysis; familiarity with SolidWorks geometry and engineering drawings.
• Understanding of statics, mechanics of materials, structural load paths, materials selection, and basic strength, stiffness, and stability considerations.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, develop appropriate analysis assumptions, and check results using engineering fundamentals.
• Clear technical communication, organized documentation, sound engineering judgment, and willingness to work directly with hardware and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the analysis and development of lightweight composite airframe structures for Frontera's air-breathing hypersonic vehicle, including skins, spars, ribs, frames, control surfaces, joints, attachments, and secondary structure.
• Develop ANSYS finite element models using SolidWorks geometry for aircraft hardware and other structural needs, including test stands, fabrication tooling, and support equipment.
• Perform preliminary sizing, engineering calculations, and ANSYS analyses with guidance appropriate to experience. Work with design engineers to evaluate load paths, strength, stiffness, stability, and joint performance and incorporate results into design iterations.
• Coordinate loads and structural interfaces with propulsion, thermal protection, landing systems, and other vehicle subsystems. Work with experienced engineers to address mechanical loads, thermal gradients, differential expansion, and local reinforcement needs.
• Work directly with manufacturing engineers, technicians, and suppliers to evaluate the structural effects of manufacturing deviations, assembly conditions, and nonconformances and develop proposed solutions.
• Support structural test planning, fixture analysis, instrumentation requirements, and test execution. Compare analytical predictions with test results, refine models, and support verification.
• Document analysis assumptions, methods, results, and limitations; maintain model configuration control, and present assigned work at technical reviews. Progressively assume ownership of components and assemblies, with the potential to grow into Responsible Engineer accountability as technical capability and judgment develop. Design updates, manufacturing, testing, and verification.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Composite modeling

Laminate definition

Bonded and mechanically fastened joints

Job description

Frontera Space is seeking a Structures Analysis Engineer to support airframe analysis and development for a hypersonic vehicle, using ANSYS and SolidWorks to model composite hardware from concept to test. The role includes ownership potential and cross-functional collaboration in Austin-area facilities.

The ideal candidate has experience with lightweight aerospace composites, composite mechanics, and FEA methods; familiarity with TPS interfaces and high-temperature structures is a plus.