Structures & Materials Engineer

Astra Core-X; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra CoreX, Inc. is seeking a Structures & Materials Engineer to design and analyze structural and thermal components for rocket propulsion systems, flight vehicles, and ground support equipment in Colorado. U.S. citizenship with security clearance eligibility is required.

The role covers design, qualification, and continuous improvement of components, with emphasis on FEA, materials selection, and collaboration with manufacturing and testing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• 3–10 years of experience in designing and analyzing aerospace structures.
• Proficiency with ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN.
• Familiarity with composites and advanced materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design flight structures, motor cases, nozzles, ground test stands, and launch towers.
• Perform structural and thermal FEA.
• Select composites, metals, and insulation materials.
• Support additive manufacturing.
• Lead failure investigations.
• Support launch vehicle static fire and flight testing.

Education

Bachelor's Mechanical/Aerospace/Materials Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Role

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Structures & Materials Engineer to support the design, analysis, qualification, and continuous improvement of structural and thermal components for rocket propulsion systems, flight vehicles, and associated ground support equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design flight structures, motor cases, nozzles, ground test stands, and launch towers.
• Perform structural and thermal FEA.
• Select composites, metals, and insulation materials.
• Support additive manufacturing.
• Lead failure investigations.
• Support launch vehicle static fire and flight testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• 3-10 years of experience designing and analyzing aerospace structures.
• Proficiency with ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN.
• Familiarity with composites and other advanced materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience designing and analyzing aerospace structures.Previous experience designing and analyzing rocket or missile structures.
• Previous experience developing thermal protection systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Active U.S. government security clearance.

Salary Range

• $135k-$180k

ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.