Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off

Education reimbursement

Maternity/Paternity leave

Employee referrals

Swag

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer to join our spacecraft structural team. The role spans concept through verification, supporting design reviews, testing, and manufacturing while interfacing with engineers across disciplines.

You will model structures, perform static/dynamic analyses, design test fixtures, and contribute to test plans and ERB presentations. A background in aerospace and DoD standards is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct industry experience performing structural analyses using numerical and analytical techniques in space, aerospace, or similar sectors.
• Experience with Nastran and Patran.
• Experience with vibration and shock testing of aerospace or space-grade equipment and familiarity with relevant military or NASA standards.
• Hands‑on experience with test planning and execution.
• Understanding of launch vehicle loads and their implications for spacecraft systems.
• Experience creating detailed or simplified structural models for spacecraft systems or components is a plus.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for interfacing with customers and vendors.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify structural design constraints and recommend mitigation strategies across concept development, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration
• Support planning and coordination of structural analysis tasks for ongoing programs
• Perform peer reviews of technical analysis material generated within the team
• Assist in creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures and conduct analyses including static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, nonlinear, and transient
• Support mechanical test projects, including coordinating with test houses, assisting with logistics, designing and analyzing test fixtures, and documenting decisions and changes
• Develop test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance testing
• Perform structural vibration testing for spacecraft modules, including data acquisition, digital signal processing, and modal analysis
• Interpret test data in real time and provide recommendations when necessary
• Interface with vendors and test facilities to support testing requirements and logistics
• Participate in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and structural design for current and future projects
• Design and analyze test fixtures for mechanical testing
• Contribute to the development and improvement of tools and processes to enhance structural analysis efficiency
• Work effectively with program engineering leads to help maintain schedules and ensure technical compliance
• Support preparation and presentation of Engineering Review Board (ERB) items as needed

Skills

Structural analysis

Test planning

Communication

Process-driven

Launch loads

SolidWorks CAD

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Nastran

Patran

MSC Apex

Adams

Marc

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Structural Engineering Manager, the Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer will support spacecraft structural systems and subsystem design from concept development through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and verification testing. This role contributes technical expertise, supports testing activities, and collaborates closely with engineers across multiple disciplines.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify structural design constraints and recommend mitigation strategies across concept development, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration
• Support planning and coordination of structural analysis tasks for ongoing programs
• Perform peer reviews of technical analysis material generated within the team
• Assist in creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures and conduct analyses including static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, nonlinear, and transient
• Support mechanical test projects, including coordinating with test houses, assisting with logistics, designing and analyzing test fixtures, and documenting decisions and changes
• Develop test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance testing
• Perform structural vibration testing for spacecraft modules, including data acquisition, digital signal processing, and modal analysis
• Interpret test data in real time and provide recommendations when necessary
• Interface with vendors and test facilities to support testing requirements and logistics
• Participate in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and structural design for current and future projects
• Design and analyze test fixtures for mechanical testing
• Contribute to the development and improvement of tools and processes to enhance structural analysis efficiency
• Work effectively with program engineering leads to help maintain schedules and ensure technical compliance
• Support preparation and presentation of Engineering Review Board (ERB) items as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of direct industry experience performing structural analyses using numerical and analytical techniques in space, aerospace, or similar sectors
• Experience with Nastran and Patran
• Experience with vibration and shock testing of aerospace or space-grade equipment and familiarity with relevant military or NASA standards
• Hands‑on experience with test planning and execution
• Understanding of launch vehicle loads and their implications for spacecraft systems
• Experience creating detailed or simplified structural models for spacecraft systems or components is a plus
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
• Strong communication and presentation skills for interfacing with customers and vendors
• Highly process‑driven with the ability to contribute to improving structural analysis and testing processes
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus in solid mechanics
• Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing, including data acquisition and processing
• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace or space industry
• Experience with MSC tools (MSC Apex, Nastran, Patran, Adams, Marc) is a plus
• Knowledge of HALT or HASS methodologies
• Familiarity with operating a Data Physics LE‑2016 shaker table
• Understanding of applicable MIL and NASA test standards

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$105,000 - $155,000 USD

Full‑time positions only:

• 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on‑orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.