Structural Analysis Engineer II/III – Deployable Structures

Opterus Research and Development, Inc.; Loveland, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with matching

9 paid holidays

Job summary

Opterus Research and Development, Inc. in Loveland, Colorado, seeks a Structural Analysis Engineer II/III to shape system-level architecture and develop scalable analytical solutions for deployable space structures.

You will collaborate across mechanical, manufacturing, and program management to define structural requirements and verify performance through rigorous FEA. The role emphasizes nonlinear dynamics, composite materials, and tolerance for deployment environments, with preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in structural design and analysis, ideally with exposure to precision spacecraft structures, deployables, or other high performance aerospace systems.
• Strong proficiency with structural analysis and design software (Abaqus preferred).
• Proficiency in programming for advanced analysis customization (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Knowledge of composite structures, laminate theory, and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and analysis of composite, metallic, and hybrid structures for deployable space systems.
• Develop, refine, and execute advanced finite element models for spaceflight structures, with emphasis on nonlinear, dynamic, and composite material behavior.
• Build and run FEA and classical analysis models to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, dynamics, and environmental performance.
• Develop and manage verifiable pointing/shape error budgets for precision structures accounting for error sources from thermal, dynamic, manufacturing, material and other effects.
• Support the design and analysis of mechanical deployment systems.
• Assist in developing structural verification plans, and correlation of analysis to test data.
• Participate in material selection, laminate design, and structural configuration decisions for composite components.
• Help generate load cases for launch, on orbit, and deployment environments.
• Perform structural sizing, margin calculations, and mass efficiency assessments under guidance from senior engineers.
• Work with design and test teams to interpret test results and iterate designs.
• Contribute technical content for proposals and participate in customer discussions as needed.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on modeling best practices and standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Structural analysis proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

Python

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Job description

Opterus Research and Development, Inc. in Loveland, Colorado, seeks a Structural Analysis Engineer II/III to shape system-level architecture and develop scalable analytical solutions for deployable space structures.

You will collaborate across mechanical, manufacturing, and program management to define structural requirements and verify performance through rigorous FEA. The role emphasizes nonlinear dynamics, composite materials, and tolerance for deployment environments, with preferred