Structural Analysis Engineer - Space

Sky Limit Systems; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems in Houston is seeking an experienced Structural Dynamics Engineer to design, analyze, and test advanced aerospace structures. You will evaluate loads, vibration, and dynamic behavior across flight phases, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure vehicle performance and structural integrity.

The role covers model development, modal analysis, test planning, data correlation, and documentation, with opportunities to contribute from concept through launch and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or related field.
• 5+ years in structural analysis, dynamics, or launch vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with NASTRAN, MATLAB, Python.
• Experience creating FEMs with FEMAP, Simcenter 3D, BETA CAE, NX Nastran or similar.
• Strong knowledge of structural mechanics and analytical methods.
• Experience with time- and frequency-domain signal analysis.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural dynamics, vibration, and loads analyses for spacecraft and launch vehicle systems.
• Develop dynamic models and simulations for ascent, landing, and mission phases.
• Analyze environmental factors affecting aerospace structures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineers to optimize designs for weight and dynamic performance.
• Support test planning with guidance on instrumentation and validation activities.
• Perform modal analysis, vibration testing, and correlate models with test data.
• Define operating limits and flight envelopes based on analytical results.
• Prepare reports and engineering documentation with findings and recommendations.
• Contribute across concept, design, analysis, testing, verification, and flight support stages.

Skills

Structural dynamics

Vibration analysis

Launch vehicle dynamics

Analytical methods

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

NASTRAN

MATLAB

Python

FEMAP

Simcenter 3D

BETA CAE

NX Nastran

Job description

Join an innovative aerospace engineering team developing next-generation spacecraft and lunar exploration technologies. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Structural Dynamics Engineer who is passionate about solving complex engineering challenges and contributing to the design, analysis, and testing of advanced aerospace vehicles. In this role, you'll work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams to analyze structural loads, vibration, and dynamic behavior throughout all phases of flight. You'll play a key role in ensuring vehicle performance, structural integrity, and mission success while supporting groundbreaking spaceflight programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural dynamics, vibration, and loads analyses for spacecraft and launch vehicle systems
• Develop dynamic models and simulations to evaluate structural response during ascent, descent, landing, and other mission phases
• Analyze aerodynamic, inertial, vibration, acoustic, and shock environments affecting aerospace structures
• Collaborate with structural, mechanical, and flight test engineers to optimize vehicle designs for weight, strength, and dynamic performance
• Support test planning by providing guidance on instrumentation, load measurement systems, and structural validation activities
• Perform modal analysis, vibration testing, and correlation of analytical models with test and flight data
• Define structural operating limits and flight envelopes based on analytical results
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and engineering documentation to communicate findings and recommendations
• Participate throughout the product lifecycle, including concept development, design, analysis, testing, verification, and flight support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience performing structural analysis, structural dynamics, vibration analysis, or launch vehicle dynamics (entry-level candidates with advanced degrees may also be considered)
• Experience using analytical tools such as NASTRAN, MATLAB, and Python
• Experience creating and managing finite element models using FEMAP, Simcenter 3D, BETA CAE, NX Nastran, or similar software
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and the ability to solve static and dynamic engineering problems using analytical methods and simulation tools
• Experience with signal analysis in both the time and frequency domains
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to present technical findings to cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing coupled loads analysis for launch vehicles
• Experience analyzing launch vehicle dynamic environments
• Experience planning and executing vibration and shock testing
• Experience with modal testing and finite element model correlation
• Familiarity with NASA, Space Force, or Range structural analysis and testing standards
• Experience using test or flight data to validate analytical models

Why Join?

• Work on cutting-edge spacecraft and lunar exploration programs supporting the future of spaceflight
• Solve complex structural dynamics challenges on mission-critical aerospace systems
• Collaborate with highly skilled engineers across multiple engineering disciplines
• Gain exposure to the complete product lifecycle, from concept development through launch and mission operations
• Join an innovative, fast-paced engineering organization where technical excellence and continuous learning are highly valued