Spacecraft Structural Analyst: FEA & Vibration Expert

Viasat; Oregon; On-site; USD 121,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in the United States is seeking a structural analysis engineer to perform aerospace analyses on spacecraft structures, payload components, and electronic packaging using FEA and hand calculations. You will collaborate with mechanical, systems, and materials engineers to ensure mission success while delivering thorough analysis reports and design recommendations per industry standards.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years of spaceflight structural analysis experience and proficiency with

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 engineering materials, processes, and parts (metallics, polymers, composites, fasteners)
• Working knowledge of aerospace structural analysis and test methodologies, including: Static analysis and test, Normal modes and linear dynamics, Random vibration and shock response analysis and test, Fatigue and fracture‑mechanics, Composite materials and classical laminate theory, Mechanism analysis, Thermoelastic analysis, Launch vehicle environments, Semi-empirical methods (Bruhn, ECSS), Bonded and bolted joint analysis
• Working knowledge of electronic packaging structural analysis, including: Printed wiring assembly (PWA) structural analysis, Solder joint fatigue, including Steinberg random vibration fatigue methods, Connector and interconnect reliability, Thermal‑mechanical coupled analysis of electronic assemblies
• Demonstrated experience applying NASA, AIAA, ECSS, and MIL standards to structural design, testing, and qualification
• Ability to generate high‑quality analysis documentation
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally in a multidisciplinary team
• U.S. citizen, with ability to obtain a Secret‑level security clearance

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary and 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, correlation of FEMs, and verification of requirements
• Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, materials engineers, and thermal analysts to optimize hardware performance
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards, including NASA, AIAA, and military standards
• Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers

Skills

FEA analysis

Nastran

Simcenter Femap

Materials knowledge

Documentation

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

LS-DYNA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Simcenter Femap

Job description

Viasat in the United States is seeking a structural analysis engineer to perform aerospace analyses on spacecraft structures, payload components, and electronic packaging using FEA and hand calculations. You will collaborate with mechanical, systems, and materials engineers to ensure mission success while delivering thorough analysis reports and design recommendations per industry standards.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years of spaceflight structural analysis experience and proficiency with