Senior Missile Structure and Actuation Engineer

Overview

Senior Missile Structure and Actuation Engineer role at nou Systems, Inc. (nSI). The position is part of our elite R&D team in Huntsville, Alabama, focused on building transformative low-cost interceptors for emerging DoD applications.

Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr. nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company. We value teamwork and collaboration and empower our customers with data-driven insights that transform defense systems and capabilities.

• Lead the structural and actuation aspects of a best-in-class interceptor around a patented interferometric RF seeker technology.
• Architect, rapidly prototype, and test the airframe, internal structure, and aero control actuators for highly maneuverable, small-diameter (120 mm and lower) surface-to-air interceptor designs.
• Define optimal airframe configuration, design lightweight but robust structural solutions, select and integrate actuator systems, and develop innovative mechanical solutions for low-cost operation in contested environments.
• Cover the full mechanical system scope from aerodynamic load analysis through structural optimization to actuator integration and control surface design (canards, chords, composites, control surface actuators, and cost optimization).
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, manufacturing, propulsion, and GNC experts to ensure designs exploit the seeker effectively and maintain structural integrity across the full flight envelope.
• Translate concepts from whiteboard sketches to flight tests within months as part of a small, elite team.

• Master's degree minimum in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Seven years of full-time professional experience in missile or aerospace structures and actuation engineering roles.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret Security Clearance.

• Missile airframe structural design including monocoque, semi-monocoque, composite sandwich, and hybrid structures.
• Actuator system design and integration (electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic).
• Finite element analysis (FEA) and structural optimization; aeroelastic analysis and flutter prediction; thermal-structural analysis for supersonic flight.
• Manufacturing and assembly considerations for low-cost, high-volume, reliable supply-chain production.
• Impact of structural and actuation choices on platform cost, other subsystems, and manufacturing complexity.

• Structural dynamics, vibration, and shock environments in missile systems.
• Understanding impact of seeker integration, warhead placement, propulsion loads, control surface effectiveness, and flight envelope on structural design.
• Rapid prototyping of structural designs from concept through flight test.
• Developing innovative structural solutions from first principles for various flight regimes.
• Materials knowledge including composites and metals; experience with new materials.
• Actuator sizing, dynamics, and control system integration.

• ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar FEA software; CAD tools for detailed design.
• Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) tools.
• Familiarity with actuator modeling and simulation tools.

• Experience with small-diameter supersonic missile platforms.
• Direct experience taking a missile structure from paper design through captive carry and free flight testing.
• Experience designing systems for reliable supply chains and volume manufacturing.

nou Systems (pronounced “new”) builds systems that solve challenging defense problems in missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our culture emphasizes advancement, professional development, and treating our employees like family.

nou Systems offers a comprehensive rewards package including competitive compensation and a range of benefits, such as:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance;
  Health Savings Account eligibility
• Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) plan;
  Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development
• Paid time off, holidays, and opportunities for advancement
• Employee referral bonus; corporate-sponsored events and community outreach

Final compensation is determined by factors including experience, skills, certifications, and location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are based on qualifications and capabilities and are free from discrimination. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.

• Location:
  
  Huntsville, Alabama
• Seniority level:
  Mid-Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full-time
• Job function:
  Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries:
  Defense and Space Manufacturing