Senior Stress Analyst

stokespacetechnologies; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Stoke Space Technologies, located in Kent, WA, is looking for a Senior Structural Analyst to own the structural integrity of a Nova module or subsystem. You will lead cross‑functional analysis efforts, mentor junior engineers, and translate system requirements into detailed component analysis.

The role requires 7–10 years of experience in launch vehicles or propulsion, strong fundamentals in static strength, and hands-on experience with ANSYS/NASTRAN and scripting for workflow improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of experience analyzing launch vehicles, rocket engines, or similar systems.
• Solid structural mechanics fundamentals: static strength, stability, fatigue, fracture.
• Experience with FEA solvers such as ANSYS or NASTRAN.
• Experience with scripting/automation (Python or MATLAB) for workflow improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset; ability to mentor other engineers.

Responsibilities

• Own the structural integrity of a module or subsystem of the Nova launch vehicle.
• Lead and coordinate structural analysis efforts across multiple engineers.
• Mentor and support a team of REs in structural integrity.
• Translate system-level structural requirements to component designers.
• Drive consistent structural analysis and test processes across your module or subsystem.
• Develop methods and tools to support the module team.
• Drive gaps in material and loads databases to closure.
• Develop analysis models to substantiate parts and/or decompose loads.
• Technical review and approval authority of others' stress work.
• Develop loads and load cases, communicate them to stakeholders.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA tools

Scripting (Python)

Mentorship

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Python

MATLAB

Job description

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we're building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we're helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we'd love to have you join us.

Description

Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. Structural analysis is at the heart of making parts, assemblies, and systems that last for thousands of uses. As a Senior Structural Analyst at Stoke, This role presents a unique opportunity to work on aerospace structures across different systems. This role is applicable to analysts who specialize in either launch vehicles or propulsion systems or analysts with (or desiring) broad experience across both. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other roles

Responsibilities

• Own the structural integrity of a module or subsystem of the Nova launch vehicle
• Lead and coordinate structural analysis efforts across multiple engineers
• Mentor and support a team of REs in structural integrity
• Translate system level structural requirements down to component designers
• Drive consistent structural analysis and test processes across your module or subsystem
• Develop methods and tools to support the module team
• Drive gaps in material and loads databases to closure to support the module team
• Develop analysis models to substantiate parts and/or decompose loads to other team members
• Technical review and approval authority of the stress work of others
• Develop loads and load cases, communicate them to stakeholders, and implement them in analysis as needed
• Identify required structural testing, develop test plans, and participate in validation testing
• Identify and communicate risks to leadership
• Other responsibilities as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience
• 7-10 years of experience analyzing launch vehicles, rocket engines, or other transferrable experience
• Solid structural mechanics fundamentals including static strength, stability, fatigue, and fracture
• Experience with common commercial FEA solvers such as ANSYS or NASTRAN
• Experience with basic scripting or automation tools (Python or MATLAB preferred) for analysis workflow improvement
• Experience interpreting and verifying against structural requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative mindset with ability to both contribute ideas and implement team decisions
• Demonstrated ability to mentor other engineers

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related technical field
• Experience with developing structural test plans and material characterization testing
• Experience with common launch vehicle structural design standards (NASA STD 5012, AIAA-S-080, etc)
• Experience with both vehicle primary structure and engine components
• Experience with ANSYS
• Familiarity with industry approaches and tools for damage tolerance (NASA STD 5019, NASGRO)

Benefits

• Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks' Paid Time Off
• Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

• Target Levels:
• Level 3: $129,150 - $193,620
• Level 4: $151,305 - $252,105
• Level 5: $151,305 - $327,810

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with r