Spacecraft Structural Analyst

Xona-Space-Systems; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona-Space-Systems is seeking a Structural Analyst to own the structural analysis, sizing, and verification of spacecraft hardware from concept to qualification. You will develop FE models, perform static/dynamic/thermal analyses, and support flight qualification with clear documentation.

This role requires collaboration across design, manufacturing, test, and systems teams, strong communication, and willingness to travel for off‑site testing as needed.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 1+ years of structural analysis experience (or equivalent internship, research, or university project experience).
• Proficiency with finite element analysis software (Femap/Nastran preferred).
• Experience developing finite element models and applying analytical methods to support structural design decisions.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural sizing and designing for minimum mass while maintaining adequate strength and stiffness margins.
• Experience performing strength assessments for metallic structures and mechanical joints.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive technical work, solve engineering problems, and communicate effectively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Willing and able to travel to support off‑site testing as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analyses of aerospace components and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA) and classical hand calculations
• Support the design and optimization of primary and secondary structures for strength, stiffness, fatigue, and stability requirements
• Develop, refine, and validate finite element models for metallic and composite structures
• Evaluate structural performance under static, dynamic, thermal, vibration, and launch or flight loading conditions
• Develop structural analysis plans, reports, and verification documentation to support design reviews and flight qualification.
• Support design reviews by communicating analytical results, assumptions, margins, and recommendations to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, test, and systems engineers to improve structural performance while meeting mass, cost, and schedule targets
• Interpret test data and correlate analytical models with experimental results
• Support root‑cause investigations and structural assessments for hardware anomalies and test failures

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA/Finite element analysis

Engineering communication

Travel readiness

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Femap

Nastran

SolidWorks

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Xona-Space-Systems is seeking a Structural Analyst to own the structural analysis, sizing, and verification of spacecraft hardware from concept to qualification. You will develop FE models, perform static/dynamic/thermal analyses, and support flight qualification with clear documentation.

This role requires collaboration across design, manufacturing, test, and systems teams, strong communication, and willingness to travel for off‑site testing as needed.