Spacecraft Structures Engineer

overviewenergy; Ashburn (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Wellness stipend

4 weeks PTO

2 weeks sick leave

Parental leave

401(k) matching

Job summary

Overview Energy is seeking a Structures Engineer in the United States to lead the design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of spacecraft structural systems from concept through flight. You will drive structural assemblies and integrated systems while blending hands-on work with leadership.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in mechanical/aerospace design, strong NX CAD and NX Nastran skills, and deep knowledge of GD&T, DFM, and space hardware requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience in a mechanical/aerospace role.
• 5–7 years of progressive mechanical design, analysis, and testing experience.
• Strong proficiency with NX CAD and advanced FEA tools (NX Nastran or equivalent).
• Experience with spacecraft-level structural test campaigns, data processing, and validation.
• Solid understanding of GD&T, DFM, and mechanical design best practices.
• Experience with dynamic mechanical system design, analysis, and failure modes.
• Experience with metallic and composite structures and rapid prototyping.
• Ability to own and deliver complex structural systems from concept to implementation.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development, analysis, prototyping, and integration of structural systems for advanced space systems.
• Perform comprehensive structural analysis of spacecraft and platform components using NX Nastran or equivalent.
• Develop and validate finite element models for static, dynamic, thermal, and acoustic loads.
• Develop allowables and assess structural margins for bolted and bonded joints.
• Design and model parts and assemblies in NX with manufacturability and GD&T in mind.
• Apply DFM principles and rapid prototyping to optimize designs for production.
• Lead and support structural test campaigns including design, execution, and data processing.

Skills

NX CAD

NX Nastran

FEA

GD&T

DFM

3D CAD

Structural analysis

Prototyping

Leadership

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Engineering

Tools

NX

NX Nastran

Job description

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing continuous baseload power 24/7 - without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The Role

Overview Energy's Structures Engineer leads the design, structural analysis, testing, and manufacturing of spacecraft structural systems from concept through integration and flight. The role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadership, driving the creation and implementation of structural assemblies, components, and integrated systems. The ideal candidate brings proven expertise in spacecraft structures including both analytical and hands-on capabilities, and thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development, analysis, prototyping, and integration of structural systems and spacecraft components for advanced space systems, collaborating closely within a cross-functional engineering team

• Perform comprehensive structural analysis of spacecraft and platform components, including composites and metallic structures, using advanced analytical methods and industry-standard software (NX Nastran, FEA tools)

• Develop, refine, and validate finite element models to assess structural performance under static, dynamic, thermal, and acoustic loads; perform trade studies and mass optimization analyses

• Develop allowables and assess structural margins for bolted and bonded joints

• Design and model parts, assemblies, and components in CAD software (NX), ensuring manufacturability, ease of assembly, and complete product definition including drawings, GD&T specifications, and test procedures

• Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and rapid prototyping techniques to optimize spacecraft structural designs for simplicity, reduced cost, and efficient production

• Lead and support structural test campaigns including design, execution, data processing, and validation, documenting results and lessons learned

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural Engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience in a mechanical/aerospace engineering role

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testing

• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software (NX preferred) and advanced FEA tools (NX Nastran or equivalent)

• Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation

• Solid understanding of GD&T, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, and mechanical design best practices

• Strong understanding of dynamic mechanical system design, analysis, and failure modes (modal, random vibration, buckling, thermoelastic analysis)

• Demonstrated experience with structural analysis of both metallic and composite structures (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization)

• Experience with rapid prototyping and hands‑on mechanical assembly

• Proven ability to own and deliver complex structural systems from concept through final implementation

• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with satellite or spacecraft primary and secondary structures in flight programs

• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes and design-to-cost approaches for space hardware

• Experience with thermal-structural analysis and distortion modeling

Benefits

We take care of our people. In addition to competitive salary and equity, Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks sick leave, parental leave, and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion.

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification.