Senior Structural Analyst — Orbital CLA Expert

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

Job summary

Sophia Space Inc. seeks a Senior Structural Analyst to own structural analysis for first flight and follow-on missions in orbit. You will lead CLA, dynamics test predictions, model correlation, and vibration/shock analyses of avionics and structure.

You will manage a tight trade between weight and strength, defend methodologies to launch providers, and mentor junior analysts while collaborating with thermal, avionics, and manufacturing teams. Some travel to CLA reviews is expected.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. An M.S./Ph.D. preferred.
• Experience in spacecraft structural analysis and CLA lead roles.
• Strong hand-calculation and modeling justification abilities.

Responsibilities

• Own CLA for each mission and coordinate with the launch provider.
• Lead pre-test predictions and post-test correlation for dynamics tests.
• Perform static, modal, and vibration analyses on components and structures.
• Manage avionics box dynamics and PCB-level analyses and mentor junior analysts.

Skills

Hand calculations

Engineering judgment

Dynamic testing

Vibration analysis

Statics & dynamics

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

NX Simcenter

NX Nastran

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Sophia Space Inc. seeks a Senior Structural Analyst to own structural analysis for first flight and follow-on missions in orbit. You will lead CLA, dynamics test predictions, model correlation, and vibration/shock analyses of avionics and structure.

You will manage a tight trade between weight and strength, defend methodologies to launch providers, and mentor junior analysts while collaborating with thermal, avionics, and manufacturing teams. Some travel to CLA reviews is expected.