Structural Engineer Sr. Staff

Redwire Space; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Redwire Space is seeking a Sr Staff Structural Engineer in Goleta, CA to lead dynamic FEA for deployable spacecraft structures and support comprehensive testing programs. You will work across mechanical, thermal and systems teams to ensure structural integrity and provide analytical solutions for complex space missions.

The role emphasizes strong modeling skills, experience with Ansys/Femap, and collaboration with NASA and DoD programs, with opportunities for travel and growth within a leading

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems or related STEM field.
• Experience creating finite element models using Nastran or Ansys based on CAD geometry.
• Familiarity with vibration testing (random and sine) and testing for space systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop system-level dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures using Ansys or Femap/Nastran.
• Perform detailed modeling and analysis of composite and metallic structures, including sandwich panels.
• Support static and dynamic testing from planning to reporting and data processing.
• Correlate analytical models with test results to validate structural performance.
• Review designs and provide actionable feedback to the design engineering team.
• Prepare technical reports and design review materials for internal and customer reviews.

Skills

Non-linear FEA

Transient analysis

Dynamic loads

Deployable space structures

FEA modeling

Vibration analysis

Test planning

Education

BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related STEM

Tools

Ansys

Femap/Nastran

Thermal Desktop

MS Office 365 (SharePoint, Teams)

Microsoft Project

Job description

Join our team of innovators and get a chance to work alongside a team of talented, curious people that are passionate about designing and deploying solutions that are accelerating humanity's expansion into space.

The talented innovators in Goleta, CA are a leading developer and provider of satellite mechanisms, deployable structures and booms and deployable solar array systems to the global space market. The team is revolutionizing spaceflight and are currently being utilized on missions with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial space companies. With many more exciting projects on the horizon our team could use your curiosity, passion, talent and experience to help us Build Above.

Redwire Space Enterprises, INC is seeking a Sr Staff Structural Engineer to join our Structural Analysis team in Goleta, CA. This role focuses on loads and dynamics for advanced space systems, with an emphasis on finite element modeling and dynamic testing of large deployable solar arrays for spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Develop systemlevel dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures using Ansys or Femap/Nastran
• Perform detailed modeling and analysis of composite and metallic structures, including sandwich panel configurations
• Support all phases of component and sub-component structural static and dynamic testing, including test planning, test procedures, on-site test execution, post-test data processing, and test reports
• Correlate analytical models with test results to validate structural performance
• Conduct piecepart stress analyses (including bolted joints) and document in stress reports to support drawing release
• Review engineering designs and drawings, providing clear and actionable analysis feedback to the Design Engineering team
• Work closely with mechanical design, thermal, and systems engineering teams to ensure structural requirements are understood, traceable, and met
• Prepare and present technical reports, findings, and design review materials for internal and customer-facing reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
• Serve as a direct interface with customers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on technical issues and requirements
• Independently develop solutions and analysis approaches with minimal oversight

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related STEM discipline
• Creating finite element models using Nastran or Ansys based on CAD geometry making assumptions and simplifications to adequately represent the structure
• Vibration test experience (random vibration and sine)
• Ability to travel to support testing. Most of the travel is local but some overnight travel may be required

Desired Skills

• 10 or more years of applicable experience
• Non-linear and transient FEA analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work under general direction, providing technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems
• Experience with dynamic environments such as launch loads, vibration, and shock
• Experience modeling solar arrays and other deployable space structures
• Experience with Thermal Desktop is a plus
• Experience working with NASA and other aerospace guidelines and specifications, for example: GSFC-STD-7000 (GEVS), SMC-S-016, MMPDS, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint and Teams. Microsoft Project experience a plus
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivated in applying engineering principles, concepts, and practices of mechanical / aerospace engineering to independently perform assignments

Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.

Don't meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you're excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Pay Range

$168,000 - $204,000

How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)

Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulation