Spacecraft Structural Analyst | FEA Expert in Aerospace

Viasat, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 121,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ViaSat Inc. is seeking a seasoned Structural Analysis Engineer to design and validate spacecraft structures and electronic packaging using FEA and hand calculations.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success, maintain aerospace standards, and deliver high-quality analysis documentation for design reviews.

This role requires 4+ years in space hardware analysis and U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in structural analysis of spaceflight hardware.
• Proficiency with Nastran (MSC or Simcenter): static, normal modes, buckling, frequency response.
• Proficiency with Simcenter Femap modeling and post-processing.
• Working knowledge of aerospace materials, processes, and parts.
• Experience applying NASA, AIAA, ECSS, MIL standards to design, test, and qualification.
• Ability to generate high-quality analysis documentation.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles.
• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain Secret-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary/secondary structures, payload components, mechanisms, ground support equipment, and electronic packaging using finite element analysis and hand calculations.
• Develop conceptual structural models to support proposals and trade studies.
• Produce stress reports and slide packages to support design reviews.
• Evaluate structural impacts of design changes, materials, manufacturing processes, and interfaces.
• Support structural testing activities including test plan development, fixture design, and FEM correlation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, materials, and thermal analysts to optimize hardware performance.
• Ensure compliance with NASA, AIAA, ECSS, and MIL standards.
• Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers.

Skills

FEA (structural)

Spacecraft structures

Nastran

Simcenter Femap

Documentation

Communication

Security clearance

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LS-DYNA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

ViaSat Inc. is seeking a seasoned Structural Analysis Engineer to design and validate spacecraft structures and electronic packaging using FEA and hand calculations.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success, maintain aerospace standards, and deliver high-quality analysis documentation for design reviews.

This role requires 4+ years in space hardware analysis and U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a Secret clearance.