Structures & Mechanisms Engineer

Spaceodysseyhub; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Spaceodysseyhub in Redondo Beach, California is looking for a Structures & Mechanisms Engineer to design and analyze spacecraft components. This role involves performing finite element analysis (FEA), leading vibration and acoustic testing, and developing complex mechanical designs.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, with experience in composite material design and hands-on hardware. This position offers US-centric salary ranges and career progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Proficiency with FEA tools and design of composite materials.
• Experience with launch load environments and testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform FEA in tools like Nastran, Abaqus, or ANSYS.
• Design and lead structural testing campaigns.
• Conduct analysis of launch loads and mechanisms.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Composite material design

Engineering judgement

Hands-on hardware experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering

Tools

Nastran

Abaqus

ANSYS

CATIA

Job description

How to Become a Structures & Mechanisms Engineer

Build hardware that survives launch and still opens on command in orbit.

Role Overview

Structures & mechanisms engineers design the physical skeleton of a spacecraft and the moving parts that must deploy flawlessly after months in storage. The role bridges analytical and hands‑on work: you run FEA Monday and inspect a test article on the shaker Wednesday.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) in Nastran, Abaqus, or ANSYS.
• Design composite layup for CFRP, GFRP, and titanium fittings.
• Lead vibration, acoustic, shock test campaigns on a shaker table.
• Develop kinematic designs for hinges, latches, solar array drives, antenna gimbals, payload doors, and separation systems.
• Conduct launch load analysis using coupled loads analysis (CLA) methodology per NASA‑STD‑5002.
• Perform mechanism kinematic and force analysis with CATIA DMU Kinematics or Adams Multibody.
• Correlate vibration test data with FEA models and adjust models to meet specifications.
• Prepare stress analysis reports and lead test readiness reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (or related).
• Proficiency with FEA tools and composite material design.
• Experience with launch load environments and launch vehicle testing.
• Strong engineering judgement and ability to translate physical load paths without excessive reliance on software.
• Hands‑on experience with torque wrenches, strain gauges, and test equipment.

Desired Experience

• Graduate study or professional experience in structural dynamics, aeroelasticity, or aerospace structures.
• Leadership of subsystem ownership in structures or mechanisms projects.
• Previous involvement in vibration and acoustic pre‑test prediction reviews.

Benefits & Compensation

• US‑centric salary ranges: Entry level $88K–$135K, Senior level $200K.
• Opportunities in commercial and agency/civilian roles worldwide.

Career Progression

Typical career path spans 5–8 years from Junior Through Principal Structures Engineer, including opportunities to lead up to 20 engineers.

Reality Check

• Good fit if you enjoy translating load paths mentally before using FEA software, moving between CAD screens and test floors, selecting materials, and conducting hands‑on hardware work.
• Bad fit if you prefer purely software work, dislike hands‑on hardware, or seek rapid lateral moves.