Structural Engineer (Willing to Consider all Levels)

Redwire Space; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space NV is looking for a Structural Engineer to join their team in Goleta, CA. The role involves developing finite element models and supporting dynamic testing of deployable solar arrays for spacecraft.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field and experience in the space industry, focusing on structural analysis and testing. Salary range is $115,000 - $155,000, reflecting the significant value placed on technical expertise in aerospace engineering.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of applicable experience
• Experience in the space industry preferred
• Vibration test experience (random vibration and sine)

Responsibilities

• Develop system-level dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures using Ansys or Femap/Nastran.
• Support all phases of component and sub-component structural static and dynamic testing.
• Prepare and present technical reports and findings for internal and customer-facing reviews.

Skills

Finite element modeling

Dynamic testing

Mechanical engineering

Analytical problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems or related STEM discipline

Tools

Ansys

Nastran

Microsoft Office 365

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.

Redwire Space Enterprises, INC is seeking a 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 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 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 piece‑part 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
• Experience in space industry preferred, analyzing and testing space flight hardware
• 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 travel is local but some overnight travel may be required

Desired Skills

• 5 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

Pay Range: $115,000 - $155,000

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.