Spacecraft Structural Analyst — FEA & Verification

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space in Burlingame, CA is seeking a Structural Analyst to own the structural analysis, sizing, and verification of spacecraft hardware from concept through qualification and production release.

You will develop FE models (Femap/Nastran), evaluate static/dynamic/thermal loads, and communicate results to engineering teams while ensuring mass, strength, and stiffness targets are met.

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

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Femap/Nastran

SolidWorks

FEA modeling

Job description

Xona Space in Burlingame, CA is seeking a Structural Analyst to own the structural analysis, sizing, and verification of spacecraft hardware from concept through qualification and production release.

You will develop FE models (Femap/Nastran), evaluate static/dynamic/thermal loads, and communicate results to engineering teams while ensuring mass, strength, and stiffness targets are met.