Spacecraft Structures Engineer

First Principle; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology firm in Virginia is seeking a Spacecraft Structures Engineer to lead the design and development of spacecraft structural systems. You will define structural architectures, oversea analysis across various environments, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integration. Candidates should have experience in aerospace or defense hardware and a proven track record in delivering systems from conception to deployment. This opportunity allows you to shape the future of orbital infrastructure and contribute to ambitious engineering programs.

Qualifications

• Deep experience with structural systems in demanding environments.
• Track record of delivering systems from concept to deployment.
• Expertise in both metallic and composite spacecraft structures.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop structural architectures for spacecraft.
• Lead the development lifecycle of critical structural components.
• Perform structural analysis across various environments.
• Drive design-for-manufacturing for scalability across structures.
• Integrate structural systems into spacecraft platforms.
• Execute structural test campaigns including analysis and validation.
• Set standards for structural design and analysis.

Skills

Experience designing complex structural systems

Experience in aerospace or defense hardware

Hands-on problem-solving in fast-moving environments

Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams

Job description

First Principle has been retained by a highly ambitious space technology company developing a next-generation satellite platform, tackling one of the more complex engineering challenges currently underway in the commercial space sector.

With first-of-a-kind technical demonstrations recently achieved and a clear path toward flight hardware, the company is now entering a critical phase of development: translating novel architectures into fully integrated spacecraft capable of operating reliably in orbit for years at a time.

To support this transition, we are seeking a Spacecraft Structures Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and development of spacecraft structural systems that will underpin this platform. This role will be responsible for translating ambitious system concepts into flight-ready structural hardware across design, testing, integration, and ultimately production.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and develop structural architectures for a new class of spacecraft, spanning primary and secondary structures, load-bearing assemblies, and integrated hardware.
• Lead the development lifecycle of critical structural components, from early concept through detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and launch readiness.
• Perform and oversee structural analysis across static, dynamic, thermal, and acoustic environments, ensuring designs meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Drive design-for-manufacturing and scalability across spacecraft structures, ensuring that early prototypes can evolve into hardware capable of serial production.
• Work closely with systems, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to integrate structural systems into a coherent spacecraft platform.
• Support and execute structural test campaigns, including planning, instrumentation, data analysis, and validation of performance.
• Act as a key technical contributor, setting the standard for structural design and analysis across the organization.

Success Criteria

• We expect candidates to bring deep experience designing and analyzing complex structural systems operating in demanding environments, with experience in aerospace, space systems, defense hardware, or similarly complex engineered platforms.
• A track record of delivering structural systems from concept through integration and operational deployment. Ideally, this person will have expertise in spacecraft structures, including both metallic and composite systems.
• Experience working within highly multidisciplinary engineering organizations where structural systems must integrate seamlessly with mechanical, electrical, and thermal subsystems.
• Comfort operating within a fast-moving startup environment where engineers are expected to combine analytical depth with hands-on problem-solving.

This role represents the chance to work on one of the more ambitious engineering programs currently underway in the commercial space sector, with a rare opportunity to define the structural foundations for a new generation of orbital infrastructure.

You will contribute directly to system architecture, work alongside a high-performing engineering team, and play a key role in the design of spacecraft which will ultimately operate at a globe-spanning constellation scale.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, a 'protected individual', or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State in order to work in this position.