Lead Stress Engineer: Space Structures for Small Satellites

Actalent; Johnstown (CO); On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and R

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Transit benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Loveland, CO is seeking a Stress Engineer to lead and assist with structural analysis of small satellites, payloads, sub-assemblies, and ground support equipment, developing FEM models to predict structural behavior.

The role covers linear and nonlinear static, dynamic and thermal analyses, fatigue life assessment, and feedback to correct design non‑compliances, with collaboration across test teams for ground and flight testing.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in stress analysis and structural analysis.
• Experience with Ansys, Femap, and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Ability to perform hand calculations (back of envelope calculations) for FEA.
• Experience in the aerospace industry, preferably with a background in satellite programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist with the structural analysis of small satellites, payloads, sub-assemblies, and ground support equipment.
• Develop and execute finite element models (FEM) using NASA & Mil Standards to simulate and predict the structural behavior of various components.
• Perform linear and nonlinear static, dynamic, and thermal analyses to assess stress margins, fatigue life, and potential failure modes.
• Provide structural feedback to correct any design non-compliances.
• Provide structural input during test planning phases and process review.
• Support and collaborate with test engineers and technicians on the development and validation of structural models, simulations, and test plans for ground and flight testing.

Skills

Stress analysis

Ansys

Femap

FEA

Hand calculations

Aerospace experience

Tools

Ansys

Femap

FEA

Job description

Actalent in Loveland, CO is seeking a Stress Engineer to lead and assist with structural analysis of small satellites, payloads, sub-assemblies, and ground support equipment, developing FEM models to predict structural behavior.

The role covers linear and nonlinear static, dynamic and thermal analyses, fatigue life assessment, and feedback to correct design non‑compliances, with collaboration across test teams for ground and flight testing.