Senior Spacecraft Structural Analyst

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile seeks a mechanical engineer specializing in spacecraft structural analysis to build finite element models using FEMAP and NASTRAN, focusing on static and quasi-static load cases and margins of safety. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams to evaluate architectures and support qualification testing.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of hands-on experience with spacecraft structures, composite space structures, and the ability to translate loads into validated test plans,

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field is required. An MS degree is preferred for the senior-level position.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in mechanical/structural analysis of spacecraft, including FEMAP and NASTRAN expertise, finite element modeling best practices, and the use of free body diagrams and top-level analysis that resolves computer-derived loads in a way that can be intuitively checked.
• Experience with composite space structures.
• Able to identify critical loads to be recovered in the coupled loads analysis (CLA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct structural analysis of space vehicles, define failure cases, and calculate margins of safety.
• Build finite element models and run static and quasi-static analysis cases for both composite and metallic structures.
• Translate load states into static qualification testing of actual structural assemblies.
• Support architecture concept evaluation and lead trade studies.
• Disposition non-conformance issues
• Participate in material and failure review boards.

Skills

Strong English communication

Independent work

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

MS degree preferred

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

MS Excel

MATLAB

CAD Packages

Job description

AST SpaceMobile seeks a mechanical engineer specializing in spacecraft structural analysis to build finite element models using FEMAP and NASTRAN, focusing on static and quasi-static load cases and margins of safety. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams to evaluate architectures and support qualification testing.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of hands-on experience with spacecraft structures, composite space structures, and the ability to translate loads into validated test plans,