Structural Engineer V

Arcfield; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 122,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Arcfield is seeking a Structural Engineer in Colorado (Louisville) to lead and execute structural analyses for small satellites and ground support equipment. You will develop FEMs, perform multi-physics analyses, and collaborate across teams to optimize designs for weight, performance, and reliability.

The role requires extensive space industry experience, proficiency in FEMAP and SolidWorks, and the ability to communicate findings to management and customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in space industry experience
• 5+ years in structural analysis
• 3+ years Mechanical Design for small satellites using CAD
• Proficiency in FEA software (FEMAP)
• SolidWorks CAD experience

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist with structural analysis of small satellites, payloads, sub-assemblies, and ground support equipment
• Develop and execute FEMs to simulate structural behavior per NASA & Mil Standards
• Perform first-principles calculations throughout the design cycle
• Conduct linear/nonlinear static, dynamic, and thermal analyses to assess stress margins, fatigue life, risks
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for performance, weight, cost, safety
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives and margins
• Generate analysis reports and present to stakeholders
• Provide structural input to guides designs, test planning, and process reviews
• Support test engineers in development/validation of models and test plans
• Use CAD to design satellite components and ground support equipment
• Support environmental test campaigns
• Identify inefficiencies in analysis processes and propose solutions
• Specify structural & mechanical hardware and assist quoting efforts

Skills

FEA

CAD

SolidWorks

FEMAP

Structural analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree + 10–12 years of experience

MS + 8–10 years of experience

PhD + 5–7 years of experience

Tools

FEMAP

SolidWorks

Job description

Responsibilities

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 10-12 years or MS plus 8-10 years professional working experience or PhD with 5-7 years of professional working experience
• 5+ years of professional working experience in the space industry
  • Minimum of 5+ 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 (Sie mens 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: $121,506.18Max: $211,275.66

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.