Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer

General Atomics; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 69,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures advanced space hardware for defense, industry and commercial customers worldwide. We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering Team working with satellite development and orbital activities.

You will perform structural and dynamic analyses of spacecraft and launch systems, apply CAD/FEA tools, and contribute to design, testing and verification in a

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering; two+ years of engineering experience.
• Extensive structural design and analysis experience including modal, random vibration, and shock.
• Ability to apply analytical results to test data and codes.
• Experience with aluminum honeycomb panels is preferred.
• Clear communication and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop engineering solutions through creative designs and analysis.
• Perform structural and dynamic analysis on spacecraft and launch vehicle systems.
• Contribute to design, fabrication, and testing of space hardware.
• Apply statistical methods and calculations to assess strength and dynamics.
• Define objectives and develop practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Oversee prototype builds and integrate lessons learned into design.

Skills

Structural analysis

Modal analysis

Vibration analysis

Dynamic analysis

Fatigue & fracture analysis

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

FEMAP

MATLAB

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering Team working with satellite development and orbital activities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate within a team to develop engineering solutions through creative designs, detailed analysis, and resolution of routine technical challenges.
• Work on spacecraft, payload systems, high-energy lasers, electro-optical systems, and other advanced technologies.
• Perform structural and dynamic analysis on components, spacecraft, and launch vehicle systems.
• Contribute to the design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of advanced space hardware, applying statistical methods and mathematical calculations to assess strength and dynamic performance.
• Define technical objectives and develop innovative, practical solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Address advanced technical issues requiring creative approaches and the application of advanced engineering concepts.
• Thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment, collaborating across various technical domains.
• Engage in hands-on work with system components, oversee prototype builds, and integrate lessons learned into design improvements.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

Technical Expertise

• Extensive experience in structural design and analysis, including modal, random vibration, shock, and stress analysis, with correlation of analytical results to test data.
• Knowledge of laboratory environments, including materials characterization, testing, vibration analysis, and failure analysis.
• Preferred experience with aluminum honeycomb panels.
• Proficiency in applying analytical results to structural codes and criteria, including fatigue and fracture analysis.
• Mechanical design experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with optical systems, flight systems, or military systems is advantageous.
• Exposure to space and launch environments is a plus.

Software Skills

• Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, NASTRAN, and FEMAP.
• Familiarity with MATLAB is beneficial.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with the ability to apply them in dynamic environments.
• Skilled in organizing, scheduling, and coordinating work phases to solve complex problems.
• Ability to develop innovative designs and solutions for advanced technical challenges.
• Desirable credentials include a Professional Engineering License, published works in engineering journals, or invitations to present at professional symposiums.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and interfacing across teams.
• Ability to represent the organization as a technical expert and provide guidance.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface within departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives. Ability to work extended hours and travel as required.

Security Clearance

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance; an active TS-SCI clearance is highly desirable.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 68,770 - 116,193