Structural Analyst

ViaSat Inc.; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 121,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst to perform spacecraft structural analyses, develop models, generate stress reports, and support trades. You will work with engineers across disciplines to ensure mission requirements and environmental specifications are met.

The role emphasizes hands-on FEA, industry standards, and clear communication of results to program teams and customers, with growth opportunities in aerospace hardware design.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in structural analysis of spaceflight hardware.
• Proficiency with Nastran (MSC or Simcenter): static, normal modes, buckling, frequency response.
• Proficiency with Simcenter Femap modeling and post-processing.
• Demonstrated experience applying NASA, AIAA, ECSS, and MIL standards to design, testing, and qualification.
• Ability to generate high-quality analysis documentation.
• U.S. citizen, with ability to obtain a Secret-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary/secondary structures, payload components, mechanisms, and electronic packaging using finite element analysis and hand calculations.
• Develop conceptual structural models to support proposals and trade studies.
• Produce stress reports and slide packages to support design reviews.
• Evaluate structural impacts of design changes, materials, manufacturing processes, and interfaces.
• Support structural testing activities, including test plan development, fixture design, correlation of FEMs, and verification of requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, materials, and thermal analysts to optimize hardware performance.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (NASA, AIAA, ECSS, MIL).
• Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers.

Skills

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Engineering fundamentals

Attention to detail

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LS-DYNA

ANSYS

Abaqus

Python

MATLAB

Nastran (MSC or Simcenter)

Simcenter Femap

Job description

About Us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What You’ll Do

• Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, payload components, mechanisms, ground support equipment, and electronic packaging using finite element analysis and hand calculations
• Develop conceptual structural models to support proposals and trade studies
• Produce stress reports and slide packages to support design reviews
• Evaluate structural impacts of design changes, materials, manufacturing processes, and interfaces
• Support structural testing activities, including test plan development, fixture design, correlation of FEMs, and verification of requirements
• Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, materials engineers, and thermal analysts to optimize hardware performance
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards, including NASA, AIAA, and military standards
• Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers

The day-to-day

In this role, you will perform structural analysis of spacecraft structures, payload components, mechanisms, electronic packaging, and composites using aerospace industry best practices. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure our space products meet all mission, environmental, and reliability requirements.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex structural problems and brings experience in FEA for aerospace hardware.

What You’ll Need

• Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 4+ years of relevant experience in structural analysis of spaceflight hardware
  • Proficiency with Nastran (MSC or Simcenter): static, normal modes, buckling, frequency response
  • Proficiency with Simcenter Femap modeling and post‑processing
  • Working knowledge of standard aerospace engineering materials, processes, and parts (metallics, polymers, composites, fasteners)
  • Working knowledge of aerospace structural analysis and test methodologies, including:
    • Static analysis and test
    • Normal modes and linear dynamics
    • Random vibration and shock response analysis and test
    • Fatigue and fracture‑mechanics
    • Composite materials and classical laminate theory
    • Mechanism analysis
    • Thermoelastic analysis
    • Launch vehicle environments
    • Semi‑empirical methods (Bruhn, ECSS)
    • Bonded and bolted joint analysis
  • Working knowledge of electronic packaging structural analysis, including:
    • Printed wiring assembly (PWA) structural analysis
    • Solder joint fatigue, including Steinberg random vibration fatigue methods
    • Connector and interconnect reliability
    • Thermal‑mechanical coupled analysis of electronic assemblies
  • Demonstrated experience applying NASA, AIAA, ECSS, and MIL standards to structural design, testing, and qualification
  • Ability to generate high‑quality analysis documentation
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally in a multidisciplinary team
  • U.S. citizen, with ability to obtain a Secret‑level security clearance

What Will Help You On The Job

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Experience with LS-DYNA, ANSYS, or Abaqus
• Nonlinear and thermal‑structural coupled analyses
• Vibroacoustic analysis
• Coding experience using Python, MATLAB

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.