Senior Structural Analysis Engineer

Outpost; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the space economy is seeking a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer to analyze and validate spacecraft structures. The role involves iterative design and analysis cycles, ensuring performance under various conditions. Candidates should possess extensive experience in aerospace structural analysis and proficiency in industry-standard tools. This position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Incentive Equity

Annual Performance-Based Bonus

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

PTO

401k with Company match

Subsidized daily catered lunch

Qualifications

• Over 5 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis roles.
• Proven expertise in finite element analysis (FEA).
• Deep understanding of structural mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed structural analyses for spacecraft structures.
• Develop and validate high-fidelity analysis models.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate analysis insights.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Structural Mechanics

Problem-Solving

Communication

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

CAD

PLM Software

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Pioneering multi-ton Earth return for the growing space economy and for enabling point to point delivery around the globe.

Senior Structural Analysis Engineer

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

Outpost is pioneering Earth return logistics for space. We're building vehicles that can return payloads from orbit safely and precisely—enabling faster space-based manufacturing, global delivery, and entirely new capabilities in the space economy. Our spacecraft is already backed by the U.S. government with multiple missions ahead. We’re a mission-focused team, building with urgency, grit, and care for the work we do and the people we do it with.

The Team

As a Senior Structures Analysis Engineer at Outpost, you will be responsible for the analysis of the primary structure, secondary structure, and mechanisms for our Ferryall and Carryall vehicles. In this role, you'll engage in iterative design and analysis cycles with the team, validating your models through development, testing, and post-mission assessments.

Qualifications:

• Over 5 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis roles.
• Proven expertise in finite element analysis (FEA) using industry-standard tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent platforms, with a strong focus on static, dynamic, and thermal evaluations.
• Deep understanding of structural mechanics, including stress, strain, fatigue, and dynamic response analysis.
• Solid background in material properties, load path determination, and the impact of environmental conditions on structural integrity.
• Experience with simulation model development and validation for both primary and secondary structures in aerospace applications.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in structural design and analysis, including design for manufacturability considerations.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD, PLM software, and integration of analysis models with physical testing protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute detailed structural analyses for both primary and secondary spacecraft structures, ensuring performance under expected flight, re-entry, and operational conditions.
• Develop, refine, and validate high-fidelity analysis models and simulation methodologies to predict structural behavior accurately.
• Define structural load paths, conduct static, dynamic, and thermal load assessments, and perform failure mode and effects analysis.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Mechanical Engineer and multidisciplinary teams to integrate analysis insights into design decisions, trade studies, and material selections.
• Generate comprehensive analysis reports, technical documentation, and presentation materials for design reviews and regulatory submissions.
• Support hardware ground and flight test campaigns by providing predictive analysis, troubleshooting discrepancies between simulations and test data, and refining models accordingly.
• Engage in continuous improvement of analysis processes and tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency in structural evaluation.

Additional Skills or Expertise

• Experience with structural analysis for large-scale spacecraft including deployables.
• Experience with modeling soft goods such as parachutes or paragliders.
• Experience in aerospace re-entry and high-dynamic loading environments.
• Proficiency in automating simulation workflows and data post-processing using programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) or scripting tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt analysis techniques to novel challenges and complex geometries.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment, balancing analytical rigor with pragmatic engineering solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly articulate analysis findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits:

• 130k - 190k, Salary may vary with experience
• Incentive Equity
• Annual Performance-Based Bonus
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401k with Company match
• Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Please click here to Apply.