Structural Analysis Engineer

Actalent; Louisville (CO); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Time Off / PTO

Transit benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Actalent in Louisville, CO is seeking a Structural Analysis Engineer to design and analyze composite, metallic, and hybrid structures for deployable space systems, using FEA and classical methods.

You will build and run Abaqus models, generate load cases for launch and deployment, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and assembly teams to ensure producibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in structural analysis, preferably aerospace or spacecraft.
• Hands-on experience building and running FEA models to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, and dynamic performance.
• Proficiency with nonlinear analysis methods for complex structures and materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze composite, metallic, and hybrid structures for deployable space systems; ensure strength, stiffness, stability, and dynamic performance.
• Build and run finite element analysis (FEA) models to evaluate structural behavior under loading and environmental conditions.
• Perform classical structural analysis to validate overall design integrity.
• Support the design and analysis of mechanical deployment systems and packaging for launch and deployment in space.
• Generate and refine load cases for launch, on-orbit, and deployment environments.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and assembly teams to ensure producible structural concepts.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA modeling

Nonlinear analysis

Spacecraft structures

Classical structural analysis

Composite structures

Load case generation

Abaqus / FEA software

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Tools

Abaqus

Job description

Job Title: Structural Analysis EngineerJob Description

The Structural Analysis Engineer contributes to the design and analysis of composite, metallic, and hybrid structures for deployable space systems. This role focuses on building and running finite element and classical analysis models to evaluate structural performance, supporting mechanical deployment systems, and generating load cases for launch, on-orbit, and deployment environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze composite, metallic, and hybrid structures for deployable space systems, ensuring they meet strength, stiffness, stability, and dynamic performance requirements.

• Build and run finite element analysis (FEA) models to evaluate structural behavior under various loading and environmental conditions.

• Perform classical structural analysis to complement FEA results and validate overall design integrity.

• Support the design and analysis of mechanical deployment systems, including components that fold, roll, or otherwise compact for launch and deploy in space.

• Generate and refine load cases for launch, on-orbit, and deployment environments to accurately represent operational conditions.

• Apply nonlinear analysis techniques to assess the performance of high-strain, ultra-thin composite structures that behave like springs during packaging and deployment.

• Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and assembly teams to ensure structural concepts can be produced and integrated effectively.

• Participate in cradle-to-grave project activities, from conceptual design through product development, manufacturing, testing, and preparation for launch.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of analysis methods, tools, and processes related to spacecraft structures and deployable systems.

• Document analysis assumptions, methods, and results clearly and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in structural analysis, preferably focused on aerospace or spacecraft structures.

• Hands‑on experience building and running finite element analysis (FEA) models to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, and dynamic performance.

• Proficiency with nonlinear analysis methods for complex structures and materials.

• Experience working with spacecraft or space‑related structural systems, including deployable or lightweight structures.

• Ability to perform classical structural analysis to support and validate FEA results.

• Familiarity with analyzing composite structures, including high‑strain, ultra‑thin composite components.

• Capability to generate and interpret load cases for launch, on‑orbit, and deployment environments.

• Experience using Abaqus or similar FEA software for structural design and analysis.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail in modeling and validation.

• Effective communication skills to convey technical findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with hybrid structural systems that combine composite and metallic materials.

• Background in spacecraft structures or deployable space structures for satellites or surface applications.

• Understanding of the advantages and trade‑offs of composite materials versus metals in space environments.

• Experience supporting projects from concept through manufacturing and assembly, including close collaboration with in‑house production teams.

• Interest in innovative space technologies, including deployable structures and in‑space manufacturing concepts.

• Ability to work across the full lifecycle of a product, from initial design and analysis through to launch readiness.

Work Environment

The role operates in a combined office and manufacturing environment, providing direct exposure to both engineering design and hands‑on production activities. Structural analysis and design work is performed using tools such as Abaqus in an office setting, while close collaboration with in‑house composites manufacturing and mechanical assembly teams occurs on the shop floor. The environment supports cradle‑to‑grave development of deployable space structures, offering opportunities to see concepts evolve into products that are prepared for launch and deployment in space.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47.12 - $69.71/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Louisville,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.