Senior Space Structural Lead – CLA & Flight Dynamics

Sophia Space Inc.; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Sophia Space Inc. is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst to own structural analysis across first flight demonstrations and future missions.

You will manage CLA, predictions for dynamics tests, and model correlation, while guiding design and testing decisions for a lightweight TILE-based architecture. Applicants should bring 5–8 years of spacecraft structural experience, hands-on NASTRAN/FEMAP/NX Simcenter skills, and comfort with thermal-structural coupling.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree required with strong aerospace background.
• 5–8 years spacecraft structural analysis experience.
• Experience delivering CLA from model to flight readiness.

Responsibilities

• Own CLA for each mission and coordinate cycles with launch provider.
• Lead modal/test predictions and post-test correlation.
• Perform avionics box and PCB-level dynamic analyses.

Skills

CLA lead experience

Finite element analysis

Hand calculations

Dynamic testing

Thermal-structural coupling

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

M.S. or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

NX Simcenter / NX Nastran

Job description

Sophia Space Inc. is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst to own structural analysis across first flight demonstrations and future missions.

You will manage CLA, predictions for dynamics tests, and model correlation, while guiding design and testing decisions for a lightweight TILE-based architecture. Applicants should bring 5–8 years of spacecraft structural experience, hands-on NASTRAN/FEMAP/NX Simcenter skills, and comfort with thermal-structural coupling.