Structural Analysis Engineer II

Sierra Space; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 82,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

Paid time off (3 weeks)

Job summary

Sierra Space Corporation in Madison, WI is seeking a Structural Analysis Engineer II to design and analyze structural systems for mission-ready spacecraft. You will apply hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis under general supervision and collaborate with mechanical teams to meet program milestones.

You will use ANSYS or Simcenter Nastran, contribute to design decisions, document technical concepts, and support project success in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Typically 2+ years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of Structural Analysis.
• Experience using and applying technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts.
• Ability to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Ability to work under general supervision and follow established procedures.
• Capability to contribute to the completion of designs directly associated with program milestones.
• Ability to work effectively with other mechanical teams.

Skills

Structural analysis

Finite element analysis

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

ANSYS

Simcenter Nastran

Job description

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

As a Structural Analysis Engineer II at Sierra Space, you will play a key role in the design, analysis, and development of structural systems. This position involves working under general supervision to solve a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity. You will frequently apply technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts to your work, and contribute directly to the completion of designs associated with program milestones. Collaboration with other mechanical teams and occasional communication outside of Sierra Space are essential aspects of this role. In this role, you will perform and contribute to the design and analysis of structural systems, leveraging a strong understanding of structural analysis principles, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis. You will frequently use and apply structural analysis standards, theories, and concepts in your work to develop solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity. Working under general supervision, you will follow established procedures to complete tasks and projects while contributing to design efforts directly tied to program milestones and objectives. Collaborating with other mechanical teams, you will ensure integration across systems to achieve project goals. Additionally, you will clearly and effectively communicate and document technical concepts to support team alignment and project success.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space‑based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Typically 2+ years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of Structural Analysis.
• Experience using and applying technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts.
• Ability to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Ability to work under general supervision and follow established procedures.
• Capability to contribute to the completion of designs directly associated with program milestones.
• Ability to work effectively with other mechanical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with engineering software tools relevant to structural analysis and design.
• Familiarity with Aerospace standards and best practices in structural engineering.
• Demonstrated capability in project management and meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Passion for innovation and excellence in aerospace technologies and structural system design.
• Experience with Preferably ANSYS or Simcenter Nastran Knowledge of Standard structural failure modes.
• Experience with load path modeling and hand calculations for structural substantiation.

Compensation

Pay Range: $82,461.00 - $113,403.75

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Benefits

• including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Application Notes

This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

About Sierra Space

Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission‑proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions.

With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight‑proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies.

Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth.

Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.

Sierra Space is an industry‑leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission‑proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space‑based assets and enable space exploration.