Spacecraft Structural Analyst

Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

PTO and holidays

Life & disability insurance

401(k) match

Profit-sharing

Job summary

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is seeking aStructural Analyst to join a small, collaborative team.

You will perform static and dynamic analyses for aerospace/defense applications, evaluating loads, pressure containment, and thermal-mechanical stresses from early studies to detailed system analyses. The candidate will help transition designs from concept to prototype, work with product development and manufacturing, and contribute to test planning, documentation, and customer

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience.
• Must meet the definition of a U.S. person under ITAR requirements.
• Strong understanding of engineering mechanics; statics and strength of materials.
• Experience in structural analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate engineering workflow from problem definition to results.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design and structural analyses at component, subsystem, and system levels for advanced spacecraft applications.
• Provide design recommendations based on analysis outputs aligned with manufacturability.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and support test execution and data interpretation.
• Review, prepare, and release technical documentation with focus on accuracy and clarity.
• Evaluate impact of design changes on cost, schedule, and technical performance; communicate impacts clearly.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across locations to support program objectives.
• Manage project schedules and budgets to ensure timely, cost-effective execution.
• Maintain regular communication with customers to provide updates and address technical concerns.
• Support Sales and Marketing with proposals and customer engagement.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

Description

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is a leading provider of thermal management solutions for aerospace, defense, data centers, energy, and industrial applications. For more than 20 years, ACT has engineered and manufactured innovative technologies that solve complex thermal challenges in demanding environments. Our team is driven by continuous innovation, teamwork, and collaboration, delivering reliable solutions that support critical missions and next-generation technologies worldwide.

The Structural Analyst will work as part of a small, collaborative team of engineers and technicians to support mechanical design efforts, primarily for defense and space applications. This role involves analyzing launch, landing, and maneuvering loads, pressure containment, and thermal-mechanical stresses. Projects range from early-phase trade studies to detailed, system-level dynamic analyses. The Structural Analyst will also contribute to the development of emerging thermal technologies and collaborate closely with product development and manufacturing teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and production.

Responsibilities

• Performing mechanical design and structural analyses—both static and dynamic—at the component, subsystem, and system level for advanced spacecraft applications
• Providing design recommendations based on analysis outputs that align with product manufacturability requirements
• Developing comprehensive test plans and supporting test execution and data interpretation
• Reviewing, preparing, and releasing technical documentation with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and completeness
• Evaluating the impact of design or scope changes on cost, schedule, and technical performance, and communicating those impacts proactively
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional and multi-location teams, including engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel
• Managing project schedules and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective execution of program objectives
• Maintaining regular communication with customers to provide updates, address technical concerns, and align on program goals
• Support the Sales and Marketing team in efforts to acquire new bookings, including proposal development, and customer engagement

We’re seeking candidates who thrive in dynamic settings and are comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities. Ideal team members are intrinsically motivated, collaborative, customer-focused, and enjoy partnering with vendors, coworkers, and clients to deliver exceptional service and solutions.

The strongest applicants will approach challenges with curiosity, apply critical thinking, and contribute innovative ideas to complex problems.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience
• Must meet the definition of a U.S. person in accordance with ITAR requirements
• Strong understanding of engineering mechanics, including statics and strength of materials
• Experience in structural analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar)
• Proven ability to perform structural analyses, including both static and dynamic evaluations
• Experience in test planning, test execution support, and data analysis
• Familiarity with composite materials is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate the full engineering workflow—from problem definition and analysis setup to results presentation and interpretation—to support informed technical decision-making through reports and presentations

ACT offers competitive pay, excellent benefits (medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, company-paid life & disability insurance, 401(k) match, and profit-sharing), and a supportive team environment.

ACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

ACT participates in E-Verify.

California Applicants: ACT collects personal information for hiring purposes. California residents may have rights under the CCPA/CPRA. Contact HR at [e-mail].