Sr. Structural Engineer (Structural Engineer, Sr.)

SpaceNews; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space Enterprises, INC is seeking a Structural Engineer in Goleta, CA to join our Structural Analysis team. You will develop system-level dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures and support testing from planning through reporting.

The role requires 5+ years in mechanical/space engineering, experience with Ansys/Nastran/Femap, and vibration testing. Some travel is required to support local testing and customer reviews.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems or related STEM with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Space industry experience preferred; analyzing/testing space flight hardware.
• Create finite element models using Nastran or Ansys from CAD geometry with necessary simplifications.
• Vibration test experience (random and sine).
• Ability to travel to support testing; most travel local with some overnight.

Responsibilities

• Develop system-level dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures using Ansys or Femap/Nastran
• Perform detailed modeling and analysis of composite and metallic structures, including sandwich panel configurations
• Support all phases of component and sub-component structural static and dynamic testing, including test planning, test procedures, on-site test execution, post-test data processing, and test reports
• Correlate analytical models with test results to validate structural performance
• Conduct piece-part stress analyses (including bolted joints) and document in stress reports to support drawing release
• Review engineering designs and drawings, providing clear and actionable analysis feedback to the Design Engineering team
• Work closely with mechanical design, thermal, and systems engineering teams to ensure structural requirements are understood, traceable, and met
• Prepare and present technical reports, findings, and design review materials for internal and customer-facing reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
• Serve as a direct interface with customers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on technical issues and requirements
• Independently develop solutions and analysis approaches with minimal oversight

Skills

FEA modelling

Structural analysis

Vibration testing

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace/Systems

Tools

Ansys

Femap

Nastran

Job description

The visionary innovators in Goleta, CA are redefining what’s possible in space. As a global leader in satellite mechanisms, deployable structures, booms, and next‑generation solar array systems, this team is revolutionizing the future of spaceflight. Their technology is already powering missions for NASA, the Department of Defense, and leading commercial space companies — and they’re just getting started. With groundbreaking missions ahead, we’re looking for bold thinkers, passionate builders, and curious problem‑solvers who are Made for the Mission. If you’re inspired by advancing the next era of space exploration, your talent belongs here. Redwire Space Enterprises, INC is seeking a Structural Engineer to join our Structural Analysis team in Goleta, CA. This role focuses on loads and dynamics for advanced space systems, with an emphasis on finite element modeling and dynamic testing of large deployable solar arrays for spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Develop system‑level dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures using Ansys or Femap/Nastran
• Perform detailed modeling and analysis of composite and metallic structures, including sandwich panel configurations
• Support all phases of component and sub‑component structural static and dynamic testing, including test planning, test procedures, on‑site test execution, post‑test data processing, and test reports
• Correlate analytical models with test results to validate structural performance
• Conduct piece‑part stress analyses (including bolted joints) and document in stress reports to support drawing release
• Review engineering designs and drawings, providing clear and actionable analysis feedback to the Design Engineering team
• Work closely with mechanical design, thermal, and systems engineering teams to ensure structural requirements are understood, traceable, and met
• Prepare and present technical reports, findings, and design review materials for internal and customer‑facing reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
• Serve as a direct interface with customers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on technical issues and requirements
• Independently develop solutions and analysis approaches with minimal oversight

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related STEM discipline, with 5 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience in space industry preferred, analyzing and testing space flight hardware
• Creating finite element models using Nastran or Ansys based on CAD geometry making assumptions and simplifications to adequately represent the structure
• Vibration test experience (random vibration and sine)
• Ability to travel to support testing. Most of the travel is local but some overnight travel may be required

Desired Skills

• Non‑linear and transient FEA analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work under general direction, providing technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems
• Experience with dynamic environments such as launch loads, vibration, and shock
• Experience modeling solar arrays and other deployable space structures
• Experience with Thermal Desktop is a plus
• Experience working with NASA and other aerospace guidelines and specifications, for example: GSFC‑STD‑7000 (GEVS), SMC‑S‑016, MMPDS, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint and Teams. Microsoft Project experience a plus
• Strong attention to detail and self‑motivated in applying engineering principles, concepts, and practices of mechanical / aerospace engineering to independently perform assignments

Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.

Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Pay Range

$115,000 - $155,000

How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)

Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry‑specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulation