Structural Analysis Engineer

Momentus; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Momentus is seeking a Structural Analyst Engineer to contribute to mechanical and structural design of flight hardware. You will participate in assembly, integration, and test, thriving in a fast-paced space environment and adapting to new challenges.

The role focuses on structural analysis at unit and system levels, translating results into actionable design improvements and test plans for customer payloads. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with dynamics analysis using finite element software such as Femap or Nastran.
• Deep understanding of structural dynamics including modal analysis, resonance, damping, and random vibration.
• Ability to work independently on complex engineering tasks.
• Excellent technical communications skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of spacecraft at unit and system levels using hand calcs and FEA.
• Provide design recommendations to improve spacecraft structure for harsh launch and space environments.
• Create structural test specifications for components and payloads.
• Conduct mechanical testing including vibration, static load, and shock tests.

Skills

Dynamics analysis

Structural dynamics

Independent work

Technical communications

Written communication

Verbal communication

Tools

Femap/Nastran

Job description

As an early mover in the in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system.

OUR PEOPLE

Daring problems require daring solutions. We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy. We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future. If this sounds like you, we should talk.

JOB SUMMARY

The Structural Analyst Engineer will participate in the mechanical and structural design of flight hardware and will follow programs through execution of assembly, integration, and test. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapting to new challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Structural analysis of the spacecraft at the unit-level and system level using hand calcs and finite element analysis
• Providing recommendations to mechanical design team to improve the spacecraft design for better environments
• Generation of structural test specifications for components and for customer payloads
• Conduct mechanical testing of systems and components including vibration testing, static load testing, and shock testing

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience with dynamics analysis using Femap/Nastran or similar finite element analysis software
• Deep understanding of structural dynamics (modal analysis, resonance, damping, and random vibration)
• Familiarity with the launch environment and space environment and how it affects mechanical hardware
• Familiarity with material selection
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent technical communications skills
• Good written and verbal communications skills

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience defining requirements for mechanical systems and components
• Experience analyzing and testing space hardware with demonstrated on-orbit success
• Deep understanding of spacecraft structural loads (quasi-static loads, random vibration, shock, thermo-mechanical)
• Familiarity with Coupled Loads Analysis
• Experience running vibration and shock testing
• Previous experience working on DoD and other USG development and deployment programs