Sr. Structures Engineer

Venus Aerospace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits

Flexible schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is looking for a Senior Structures Engineer in Houston, TX, to lead the structural development for aerospace vehicles. This role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally. You will be responsible for structural design and analysis, fatigue assessments, and supporting test campaigns. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of structural engineering experience and a degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including 401(k) and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of structural engineering experience.
• 3+ years of FEA experience (ANSYS preferred).
• 3+ years of CAD experience (NX preferred), including large assembly management.

Responsibilities

• Complete structural design and analysis across a variety of aerospace vehicle types.
• Perform fatigue, buckling, stability, and general strength assessments.
• Support structural test campaigns and contribute to flight qualification plans.

Skills

Structural engineering

Communication

Collaboration

Team-building

First-principles analysis

Fatigue analysis

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NX

CATIA

TeamCenter

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

Senior Structures Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Structures Engineer to lead structural development for aerospace vehicles from a clean sheet. This is a highly interdisciplinary role requiring a strong technical foundation and excellent communication skills. You will help define internal standards and tools, work cross‑functionally with other departments, and play a key role in building the structures team and its processes. This position is on‑site in Houston, TX and may require travel to support operations, vendors, or other activities. You will be working in a developing start‑up environment requiring flexibility and a willingness to take on a wide variety of tasks.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Complete structural design and analysis across a variety of aerospace vehicle types and related hardware
• Perform fatigue, buckling, stability, and general strength assessments via hand calcs and FEA (ANSYS preferred)
• Own CAD models in NX and/or CATIA, including large assemblies and release processes
• Define loads in coordination with GNC, propulsion, avionics, and systems teams
• Support structural test campaigns and contribute to flight qualification plans
• Develop internal processes, standards, and documentation for the growing team
• Help team members and others at Venus learn and grow
• Use TeamCenter, Dassault systems software, Jira, and Confluence for configuration control and program collaboration
• Contribute to a collaborative, communicative team culture – strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are essential

What You Have

• B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of structural engineering experience
• 3+ years of FEA experience (ANSYS preferred)
• 3+ years of CAD experience (NX preferred), including large assembly management
• Demonstrated proficiency in hand calculations and first‑principles analysis
• Familiarity with fatigue analysis methods and principles
• Strong communication, collaboration, and team‑building skills
• U.S. Person eligible to work on ITAR‑restricted programs

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience with random vibration (derivation from flight data or specifications), vibration testing
• Experience with design for manufacturing and producibility
• Loads development including coupled loads analysis
• Working knowledge of materials, buckling, structural joints, damage tolerance, and vibration
• Experience creating or contributing to engineering standards and internal procedures
• Background in multi‑stage rockets, aircraft, or spacecraft
• Flight qualification and structural test experience
• Familiarity with TeamCenter, Dassault systems software, Jira, and Confluence

Location

On‑site in Houston, TX

Benefits

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex‑Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (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). You can learn more about ITAR

Equal Opportunity Employer

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] or call (281) 203‑0027.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.