Stress Analyst

vayaspace; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaya Space, located in Florida, is searching for a Stress Analyst to innovate in aerospace propulsion systems. In this role, you will analyze advanced composite materials and structural integrity for missile engines and launch vehicles. Candidates should possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in engineering and relevant experience in structural analysis, ideally in aerospace.

The position offers the chance to impact national defense systems while working with a dedicated team focused on pioneering propulsion technologies.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience in structural analysis.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
• Knowledgeable in composite failure modes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze composite airframe laminates and derive stress strain behavior.
• Perform static, dynamic, modal, thermo-mechanical, fatigue analyses.
• Generate analysis reports with margin tables.

Skills

Structural analysis of complex aerospace systems

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Knowledge of engineering materials

Classical aerospace sizing methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX Nastran

HyperWorks Suite

Job description

Stress Analyst

Summary

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast. We are advancing patented vortex-hybrid engine technology to deliver propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety, affordability, and sustainability. In the commercial market, our Dauntless launch vehicle provides reliable and cost‑effective access to orbit. In defense, our hybrid propulsion systems support next‑generation tactical, hypersonic, and missile defense applications.

As a Stress Analyst at Vaya Space you will be working with teams of driven and enthusiastic engineers to design, develop, test, and integrate our innovative hybrid engines for both missile engines for National Defense and support all phases of design, development, and testing of our Dauntless launch vehicle and its ground support equipment.

Travel Required

Up to 10%

Required Security Clearance

None (ITAR Eligible)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze composite airframe laminates and derive stress strain behavior at the ply level.
• Analyze additively manufactured engine components and pressure vessels.
• Perform, document, and present static, dynamic, modal, thermo‑mechanical, fatigue and fracture analyses.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of integrated system models.
• Advise test planning and interpretation: such as data capture advise for correlation of simulation to experimental data.
• Participate in technical reviews, Product Safety Reviews, Technical Life Reviews and Customer Reviews.
• Generate analysis reports with margin tables.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 4+ years of professional experience in structural analysis of complex aerospace systems (turbomachinery experience a plus)
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and commercial tools: NX Nastran, HyperWorks Suite, or similar
• Knowledgeable in composite failure modes and criteria
• Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, etc.)
• Knowledge of engineering materials and their applications to achieve optimal structures
• Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.
• To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a “U.S. Person” as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate.

Preferred Skills and Education

• 7+ years of professional experience performing structural analysis on aircraft, spacecraft or launch vehicle structures
• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
• Experience with coupled loads analysis for launch vehicles
• Demonstrated knowledge of vehicle load path and stress analysis of metallic and/or composite structures (pressure vessels, skin‑stringer, fittings, sandwich panels, etc.)
• Strong background in solid mechanics and structural dynamics (modal, transient, and random vibration analysis)
• Knowledge of fatigue, crack initiation, propagation mechanisms and metallic failure prevention
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong decision‑making skills and a results‑driven approach