Head of Structures

Head of Structures

Seal Beach, CA | In-office | Full-time

At Astro Forge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.

As the Head of Structures at Astro Forge, you will lead the structural engineering team and be responsible for the integrity and performance of all spacecraft primary and secondary structures, from initial design concepts through on-orbit operations and return to Earth. You will not only own complex hardware but also drive the strategic direction of the structures discipline within the company.

This role requires a strong technical background, proven leadership abilities, and a passion for mentoring and developing a high‑performing team.

• Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Culture Building: Build, mentor, and lead a team of structural engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative can‑do environment. Provide technical guidance, career development, and performance feedback to team members.
• Project Management and Scheduling: Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of all structural engineering activities across multiple projects. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Process Definition and Development: Establish and continuously improve structural engineering processes, standards, and best practices. Implement efficient workflows and documentation procedures to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.
• Hiring and Performance Management: Lead the recruitment and onboarding of new structural engineering talent. Define clear roles and responsibilities, set performance expectations, and conduct regular performance reviews. Manage team performance, addressing any issues proactively.
• Product Ownership: Demonstrate complete ownership of structural product outcomes at every stage of development and production.
• Hardware Lifecycle Management: Shepherd structural hardware from conceptual design, assembly, and test through high volume production and on-orbit operation.
• Design and Optimization: Develop design criteria, collaborate on system-level requirements, and drive system‐level structural optimization.
• Rapid Prototyping and Iteration: Rapidly iterate on structural designs and analyses to steer overall product direction and meet evolving mission needs.
• Testing and Validation: Perform and oversee environmental and performance testing on structural hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance with design criteria.
• Timeline Management: Own structural product delivery timelines through conception, design, assembly, and launch, ensuring alignment with overall project schedules.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering with a structural focus.
• 8+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical structural design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing, with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Proven proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., NX, Solid Works) and advanced FEA software packages (e.g., Nastran, Ansys).
• Expert understanding and application of GD&T.
• Demonstrated deep understanding of structural analysis principles, failure modes of complex mechanical systems, and fatigue analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods (including composites), and surface treatments for aerospace-grade structural components.
• Significant experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification in a structural context.
• Ability to lead and manage technical teams effectively.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA and travel as necessary.

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant…