Spacecraft Structures Analyst (Opto-Mechanical Focus)

muonspace; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 183,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401k retirement plan

Three weeks paid vacation

12 paid holidays

Parental leave

Short & long term disability and life

Job summary

Muon Space seeks an experienced spacecraft structural analyst to own the full lifecycle of structures, from quick preliminary analyses to detailed FEM and test support. You will work in a fast-moving startup environment, including on-site work in San Jose three days per week, and mentor junior team members as the team grows.

The role requires detailed FEMAP/ANSYS experience, strong Python/Matlab/Fortran skills, and a track record of turning data into design decisions.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Exceptional attention to detail and critical thinking.
• Extensive experience running detailed finite element analyses for aerospace systems (FEMAP, ANSYS).
• Experience designing and executing structural tests for spacecraft.
• Extensive experience as an individual contributor structural analyst.
• Software skills in Python, Matlab, Julia, C, C++, Fortran.
• Excellent communication, presentation, coordination skills.
• Travel occasionally required to execute tests on-site.

Responsibilities

• Full lifecycle ownership of structures from concepts to detailed FEM and testing.
• Conduct linear/nonlinear static analyses, modal and random response analyses.
• Correlate models to test data and perform root cause analysis.
• Plan and execute test plans and write test reports.
• Drive risk-informed design choices and make buy/build trade-offs.
• Develop quick concepts and models for early program discussions.
• Establish engineering standards and tooling for rigor in design.
• Coordinate on-site testing with venues and test teams.

Skills

FEMAP

ANSYS

Python

Matlab

Julia

C

C++

Fortran

Education

B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEMAP

ANSYS

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks an experienced and passionate spacecraft structural analyst to join our team. The ideal candidate has unwavering attention to detail and a total ownership mindset to help the team develop robust hardware which meets requirements on time. Being an early-stage startup with a small team, breadth is extremely important and we expect this person to go far beyond running finite element analyses. Ability to dive into structural test data, dynamics, inform risk vs. cost decisions, supplier interaction and everything else associated with the full lifecycle of a spacecraft and optical payload development is critical.

Leadership is also a key attribute we seek for this role. Muon's team will be growing rapidly over time and there will be opportunities for both direct-management and indirect (tutoring, mentoring).

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities

Full lifecycle ownership of structures from quick-and-dirty early analysis for conceptual design to detailed finite element modeling to test support:

• Linear and nonlinear static analysis
• Modal, frequency, and random response analyses
• Dynamic environments definition
• Model correlation to test data
• Root causes analysis
• Coupled loads analysis
• Scoping test plans and writing test reports
• Find solutions in line with the risk posture of the company and programs, suggesting alternatives to traditional approaches and specifying the risks associated with those options
• Make economically sound choices for the company while understanding the path to constellations. Find solutions balancing the need to quickly demonstrate capability with the need to deploy systems at scale (make vs buy trades, etc)
• Create quick concepts and models that can be used to discuss and spur inspiration on the team in early phases of programs.
• Establish engineering standards and tools for others on the team to help instill a culture of rigor and analysis in all aspects of mechanical design
• Define and drive mechanical/structural validation and test approach (establish factors of safety, identify no-test margins, design dynamics and static load tests, pre-test response predictions, coordinate with test venues and direct tests on-site, etc)
• Plan, execute and run post-test analysis and reduction on system-level and component vibration, shock and other mechanical tests

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher degree in an engineering field, preferably Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Exceptional attention to detail and critical thinking
• Extensive experience running detailed finite element analyses for aerospace systems (FEMAP, ANSYS)
• Experience designing and executing structural tests for spacecraft
• Extensive experience as an individual contributor structural analyst
• Software skills in one or more of Python, Matlab, Julia, C, C++, Fortran or similar
• Excellent communication, presentation, coordination skills & curiosity
• Dedication to drawing conclusions on the most important factors and data
• Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new opportunities each week
• A desire to change the way the world understands and reacts to climate and environmental data
• Travel occasionally required to execute tests on-site with environmental test vendors

Nice-to-have Skills

• Familiarity with force limiting principles
• Previous analysis experience of opto-mechanical systems
• Mechanical design
• Spacecraft design
• Instrument design
• Electronic Instrumentation experience (DAQ, signal processing, etc)

Salary

The salary range for this role is $ 183,000 - $209,000 , plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.

About Muon Space

Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

Taking Care of Our Team

At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.

Our mission embraces the entire planet and w