Structural Analyst

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) with 50% match up to $11,500

Job summary

Stratolaunch, a leader in hypersonic vehicle testing, seeks a Sr- or Staff-level Structural Analyst to support design, analysis, integration, testing, and maintenance of primary and secondary structures for hypersonic vehicles and launch systems.

You will build and expand FEM models (FEMAP/NX NASTRAN), perform FEA, hand calculations, and collaborate with designers to implement analysis-driven design changes, with travel <10% and a 9/80 work schedule.

Qualifications

• Strong fundamental structures background with loads paths and hand sizing of components.
• Ability to perform structural hand calculations and analyze either composite or metallic structures.
• Experience with FEM generation, FEA and post-processing.
• Experience generating pre- and post-processing scripts.
• Ability to communicate technical challenges clearly to varied audiences.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in portions of the structural development of hypersonic vehicles and launch systems.
• Generate and maintain FEM models, including meshing and material properties.
• Expand FEMAP interfacing and data reduction scripts.
• Apply loads and environments to FEM; perform modal and linear FEA as needed.
• Interpret results and modify designs to meet program requirements.
• Create analysis reports documenting structural margins.
• Perform detailed design of structural components and assemblies.
• Assist with resolving manufacturing nonconformances and technical challenges.
• Develop risk mitigation plans for primary structures.

Skills

Strong structural analysis

FEM generation

FEA

Pre/post-processing scripts

Communication skills

Independent worker

Prioritization

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

FEMAP

NX NASTRAN

Python

C++

MATLAB

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr- or Staff-level Structural Analyst to support design, analysis, integration, testing, and maintenance of hypersonic vehicle and launch system structure. This position will include contributing to conceptual and detailed structural analysis-driven design of primary and secondary structure. You are responsible for contributing to the vehicle’s structural technical performance, including meeting design and mission requirements, resolving technical challenges, and implementing technology upgrades that improve the competitive basis of the hypersonic vehicle and launch system architecture.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in portions of the structural development of hypersonic vehicles and launch systems
• Generate and maintain finite element method (FEM) models - including meshing, materials & properties assignment, grouping, etc.
• Generate and/or expand upon FEMAP interfacing and data reduction scripts and programs
• Apply vehicle loads and environments to FEM
• Perform modal and linear finite element analysis (FEA), as required, to evaluate vehicle loads and environments
• Perform structural trade studies to develop and/or improve airframe load paths
• Assess and confirm FEA results with hand calculations as appropriate
• Interpret results and make design modifications to meet program requirements
• Select material systems and construction techniques, as needed, that meet project objectives
• Work with structural and mechanical designers to incorporate analysis-driven design modifications
• Create analysis reports to support the documentation of structural margins
• Perform detailed design of structural components and assemblies, as required
• Assist structural designers in disposition of manufacturing nonconformances and resolve technical challenges, as they arise
• Evaluate risks and develop risk mitigation plans for primary structures
• Regular and comprehensive communication to relevant Structures Lead and Section Manager
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong fundamental structures background, including load paths and the ability to hand size structural components
• Perform structural hand calculations
• Experience designing and analyzing either composite or metallic structures
• Experience with FEM generation
• Experience with FEA and FEA post-processing
• Experience generating pre- and post-processing scripts
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to take direction, work relatively independently, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Required Computer Skills:

• Proficient with FEMAP and NX NASTRAN
• Experience programming - Python, C++, or Matlab
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with BMI or epoxy pre-preg composites
• Experience with static structural testing
• Experience with loads development
• Experience with dynamics analyses

Preferred Computer Skills:

• Computer Aided Design tools – NX (preferred), Solidworks, or CATIA
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr Level ($102,000-$172,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($129,000-$214,000: Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for remote or hybrid position for well-qualified candidate.
• Travel estimated to be <10%
• 9/80 Schedule

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s) :

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight‑seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

* Please note that our Relationships at Work policy prohibits the creation of a direct or indirect reporting relationship between an employee and a family member or someone with whom they have a personal relationship with.