Spacecraft Structural Analyst

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity shares

100% company-paid healthcare

Comprehensive PTO package

Generous 401(k) matching

Daily catered lunch

Vibrant community activities

Personalized desk setup

World-class office environment

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking a Spacecraft Structural Analyst to own the analysis and validation of spacecraft hardware. The role focuses on developing high-fidelity finite element models to ensure structural integrity while working closely with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of structural analysis experience, proficient in tools like NASTRAN and FEMAP. The company fosters a collaborative environment and offers competitive benefits, making it a great place to grow your career.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a structural analyst in aerospace or related industries.
• Expertise in finite element analysis and modeling.
• Experience in analyzing dynamic load cases.

Responsibilities

• Own structural analysis from initial sizing through validation.
• Develop finite element models and analyze structural integrity.
• Define structural load cases and environments.

Skills

Finite element modeling

Structural mechanics

Strong communication skills

CAD tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

About the Role

Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Structural Analyst to own structural modeling, analysis, and validation of spacecraft hardware from early design through flight readiness. This role sits at the center of hardware development, driving structural performance across components, subsystems, and full vehicles. You’ll work closely with design, dynamics, and test teams to ensure hardware meets launch and on-orbit requirements while enabling rapid iteration.

Responsibilities:

• Own structural analysis across components, assemblies, and full spacecraft from initial sizing through test and validation

• Develop high-fidelity finite element models and perform analyses (FEA and hand calculations) to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, and fatigue

• Define structural load cases and environments, including force-limited dynamic loads (random, sine, shock, acoustics)

• Generate margins for metallic and composite structures, including joints and interfaces (bolted, bonded, etc.)

• Drive design decisions and architecture through trade studies and analysis insights

• Define and lead structural test campaigns, including vibration and environmental qualification

• Correlate FEM models with test and flight data to improve prediction accuracy

• Generate structural requirements, specifications, and ICDs for components and full spacecraft

• Develop and standardize analysis methods, tools, and workflows used across the company

• Partner cross-functionally with design, dynamics, manufacturing, and test to close the loop between analysis and hardware

• Manage external vendors and third-party analysts to scale analysis efforts and ensure quality

• Support the development of scalable test approaches and infrastructure aligned with high-rate production

• Contribute to team growth through mentorship, recruiting, and technical leadership

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

• 5+ years of experience as a structural analyst in spacecraft, aerospace, automotive, or similar industries

• Expertise in finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)

• Experience performing trade studies to inform system and component architecture

• Experience analyzing force-limited dynamic load cases (random, sine, shock)

• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, fatigue, and joint analysis

• Experience calculating margins for metallic and composite structures

• Proficiency with CAD tools (NX or similar)

• Experience defining loads, requirements, and verification approaches across the design lifecycle

• Experience leading or supporting vibration testing and structural qualification campaigns

• Experience managing external analysts or vendors and planning analysis scope

• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical insights clearly

Nice to have:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related field

• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware

• Experience with vibro-acoustic analysis or testing

• Hands‑on vibration testing experience in production or high‑rate environments

• Experience generating unit‑level vibration specifications

• Experience correlating FEM models with test or flight data

• Experience with composites and advanced structures

• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or VBA for analysis and automation

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast‑growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full‑time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

• Best‑in‑class healthcare: 100% company‑paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work‑related travel

• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day

• Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family

• Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self

• World‑class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in‑person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting‑edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.