Structural Engineer IV

Arcfield; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 101,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement and Savings

Job summary

Arcfield seeks a Structural Engineer to lead analysis of small satellites, payloads, and ground support equipment. The role requires FEM and CAD work, cross-functional collaboration with systems engineers and program managers, and communication of results to management and customers.

The candidate will perform linear/nonlinear static, dynamic, and thermal analyses, develop test plans, and help optimize designs for weight, cost, and reliability, while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of professional experience or MS with 6–8 years
• 3+ years of experience in structural analysis in the space industry
• Proficiency in FEA software and CAD tools (FEMAP, SolidWorks)

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist with the structural analysis of small satellites, payloads, sub-assemblies, and ground support equipment.
• Develop FEMs to simulate and predict structural behavior using NASA Mil Standards.
• Perform first-principles calculations throughout the design cycle.
• Perform linear and nonlinear static, dynamic, and thermal analyses to assess stress margins, fatigue life, and potential failure modes.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structural designs for weight, cost, and reliability.
• Generate comprehensive analysis reports, memos, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Provide feedback to cross-functional teams during design and test planning phases.
• Support and collaborate with test engineers on development and validation of models and test plans.
• Utilize CAD software to design satellite components and ground support equipment.

Skills

Structural analysis

First principles calculations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (MS) in relevant field

Tools

Siemens FEMAP

SolidWorks

Job description

Responsibilities

Orion Space Solutions (OSS), part of the Arcfield, is seeking a talented structural engineer. Person selected will be responsible for the range of structural design & analysis tasks required to support the development of small satellites, CubeSats, complex payloads, electronic units, GSE, and other sensing systems.

This role will require the engineer to work cross-functionally and identify needs from other engineering and programmatic groups. Including, systems engineers and program managers. In addition, they will be required to tackle open-ended analysis problems that require proactive communication and problem-solving.

Structural Engineer selected for this role will be responsible for the following:

• Lead and assist with the structural analysis of small satellites, payloads, sub-assemblies, and ground support equipment.
• Develop and execute finite element models (FEM) to simulate and predict the structural behavior of various components using NASA & Mil Standards.
• Perform first-principles calculations throughout the design cycle.
• Perform linear and nonlinear static, dynamic, and thermal analyses to assess stress margins, fatigue life, and potential failure modes.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structural designs, materials, and configurations to meet performance, weight, and cost targets while ensuring structural safety and reliability.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to evaluate design alternatives, assess design margins, and mitigate structural risks and uncertainties.
• Generate comprehensive analysis reports, technical memos, and presentations to communicate analysis results, conclusions, and recommendations to project stakeholders, including management, customers, and regulatory authorities.
• Provide feedback and input to cross‑functional teams:
  • Provide structural input to help guide preliminary & detailed designs
  • Provide structural feedback on how to correct any design non‑compliances
  • Provide structural input during test planning phases and process review
• Support and collaborate with test engineers and technicians (AI&T staff) on the development and validation of structural models, simulations, and test plans for ground and flight testing.
• Utilize CAD software to design and develop various satellite components and ground support equipment.
• Support & design environmental test campaigns.
• Proactively identify inefficiencies or issues with analysis processes and propose / implement solutions.
• Specify structural & mechanical hardware and support quoting efforts.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree and 8-10 years or MS plus 6-8 years professional working experience or PhD with 3-5 years of professional working experience.
• 5+ years of professional working experience in the space industry
  • Minimum of 3+ years of experience in structural analysis.
  • Minimum of 3+ years of experience in Mechanical Design for small satellites using CAD software
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) software (Siemens FEMAP), proficient in basic structural & dynamic principles.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, and materials science principles relevant to aerospace applications.
• Mechanical Engineering computer aided design modeling experience (CAD) in SolidWorks or similar tool.

Preferred:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical abilities, with the capability to identify, assess, and resolve complex structural challenges and performance issues.
• Ability to bound difficult problems through first principles and hand calculations.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including engineers, managers, and customers.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and compliance in all aspects of structural analysis and evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a small team environment with little oversight.

Equal Pay Act

This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield ’s benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.Min: $101,175.06Max: $175,923.79

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.