Structural Engineer Spacecraft

Associates Systems LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering company in Houston, Texas seeks an experienced engineer for the analysis of aerospace components. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and possesses strong skills in structural analysis and FEM modeling. Responsibilities include performance of structural analyses, development of test plans, and collaboration with design engineers. This role requires proficiency in relevant analysis tools and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with NASA standards (e.g., NASA‑STD‑5019, NASA‑STD‑5020).
• Demonstrated proficiency with analysis tools like PATRAN and Nastran.

Responsibilities

• Conduct static structural and fatigue analyses of aerospace components.
• Develop test plans for static, dynamic, and fatigue testing.
• Collaborate with design engineers on component designs.

Skills

Ability to derive vehicle load paths using free-body diagrams

Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods

Proficiency in structural analysis of aerospace systems

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience with FEM modeling techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in the same fields

Tools

NX FEMAP

ANSYS

SolidWorks CAD

Job description

Description of Duties

• Independently and collaboratively perform static structural, fatigue, and fracture analyses of aerospace components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop static, dynamic, and fatigue test plans and procedures, including special test equipment and sensor placement
• Conduct data analysis and correlate analytical models with test results
• Partner with design engineers to drive weight‑optimized, structurally sound component designs
• Produce formal engineering documentation, including technical memoranda, analysis reports, design and development books, and product manuals
• Operate effectively in a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary environment with evolving requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to derive vehicle load paths and reaction loads using free‑body diagrams
• Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods (e.g., Bruhn, Niu, Roark)
• Strong foundation in first‑principles methods for performing first‑order static structural hand calculations
• Demonstrated proficiency with one or more analysis tools: NX FEMAP, PATRAN, Nastran, ANSYS, ABAQUS
• Expertise in FEM modeling techniques, including boundary conditions, mid‑surfacing, element selection, structural idealization, bolted connections, contact modeling, and verification methods
• Proficiency in structural analysis of aerospace systems and components, including:
  • Linear and nonlinear static analysis
  • Stability analysis
  • Sine and random vibration analysis
  • Shock and impact analysis
• Ability to analyze structural stability (local buckling, global buckling, crippling) using classical methods and FEM
• Experience performing bolted‑joint calculations (bolt preload, joint stiffness, shear‑tension interaction, insert pull‑out, etc.) in accordance with NASA‑STD‑5020
• Support for internal/external design reviews, TIMs, and PDR/CDR milestones
• Experience with the design and development of spacecraft, spacesuits, aircraft, military systems, or other relevant vehicles and subsystems
• Understanding of the full engineering product lifecycle—from requirements development through design, manufacturing, testing, and operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Project)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships; demonstrate creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness, sound judgment, tact, and a sense of humor
• Ability to review and guide junior engineers’ designs and analyses, providing mentorship and technical leadership

Desired Experience

• Background in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Life Support System Design
  • Crew Systems Design
  • Crew Cabin Design
  • Mechanical Design
  • Mechanical Analysis
• Strong understanding of fatigue and fracture mechanics, including experience with AFGRO/NASGRO, spectra development, NDE methods, fail‑safe vs. safe‑life approaches, and NASA‑STD‑5019
• Experience modeling and simulating electronics components and associated failure modes
• Expertise in welded joint analysis
• Experience with mechanical mechanisms such as bearings, valves, motors, rotating joints, and gears
• Ability to manipulate SolidWorks CAD models directly for analysis and team collaboration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 1–2 years of relevant industry experience
• Master’s degree in the same fields and 0–1 years of relevant experience
• PhD in Mechanical, Bio‑mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering
• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident