Spacecraft​/Payload Structural Analysis Engineer

Job

Date Posted:
October 21, 2026

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced structural analysis engineer to support the design, development, and qualification of spacecraft, satellites, precision optical payloads, and related flight hardware. This role focuses on finite element analysis, structural dynamics, margins of safety, structural verification, and environmental testing. The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary engineering teams, review mechanical designs and drawings for structural adequacy, and help turn concepts into flight-ready hardware from requirements and PDR/CDR through integration, test, and delivery.

Hands-on CAD modeling and drawing production are not expected responsibilities.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

• Performs static, quasi-static, modal, random-vibration, and other applicable structural analyses of spacecraft, optical payloads, components, and mechanical interfaces
• Develops, validates, and interprets finite element models; establish realistic loads, boundary conditions, connections, load paths, and mesh convergence; corroborate results with first-principles calculations
• Calculates and documents structural margins of safety for applicable strength, stiffness, stability, fatigue, fastener/joint, and other relevant failure modes using approved requirements and material properties
• Reviews 3D mechanical designs and engineering drawings for structural adequacy, interface compatibility, materials, tolerances, and fabrication-related structural risks; collaborate with designers on improvements. CAD modeling and drawing release are not primary duties
• Prepares structural analyses, design trades, verification plans, technical reports, and presentations for PDR, CDR, and other formal reviews
• Develops structural test predictions; supports static, modal, vibration, and shock qualification tests as applicable; evaluates test results, correlate models, and helps resolve anomalies
• Works with laboratory, fabrication, procurement, program management, systems, optical, and thermal teams to support hardware build, integration, and delivery
• Manages assigned analysis scope, schedule, and technical deliverables; mentors or reviews the work of other engineers as appropriate to experience level

• Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related technical field
• Five or more years of relevant structural analysis experience; equivalent demonstrated technical responsibility will be considered
• Demonstrated proficiency in finite element analysis software (e.g., FEMAP/NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent) and the ability to independently develop and critically evaluate models
• Experience with static structural analysis and structural dynamics, including modal analysis and vibration response; experience with aerospace or similarly demanding hardware is relevant
• Ability to calculate and substantiate structural margins of safety and independently check results using sound engineering fundamentals
• Experience supporting structural or environmental testing and evaluating test results
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and CAD models and provide structural design-review feedback
• Experience documenting technical analyses, plans, procedures, and results and presenting conclusions to multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across…