Sr. Structural Analyst Engineer - TeraWave

Overview

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. This role is part of Tera Wave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth.

This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

This position is part of Blue Origin's Tera Wave business unit, a newly announced satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. Tera Wave consists of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations.

• Lead structural analysis efforts for Blue Origin's Tera Wave satellite constellation, a groundbreaking 5,400+ satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps
• Perform comprehensive structural analysis on primary and secondary satellite structures using classical hand calculations and advanced finite element analysis (FEA) techniques
• Develop and validate detailed finite element models of satellite components, subsystems, and full spacecraft to satisfy launch and on-orbit requirements
• Define structural load cases and establish design criteria for the Tera Wave satellite structures
• Analyze and verify structural designs for launch and on-orbit environments, including thermal, vibration, and shock
• Analyze complex components and assemblies for static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue loads
• Evaluate structural margins of safety for critical components and verify structural integrity through analysis and testing
• Support development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to establish structural requirements and environments
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, systems engineering, and manufacturing to optimize structural designs that meet stiffness, strength, and performance requirements
• Support design reviews and present analysis results to internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain structural analysis documentation in compliance with Blue Origin's engineering standards
• Identify constraints and recommend mitigation strategies for structural design challenges
• Support qualification and acceptance testing of structural components and systems
• Develop and execute structural test plans for component and system qualification and acceptance.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience in structural analysis for aerospace applications
• Demonstrated expertise in finite element analysis using industry-standard software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus)
• Proficiency in analyzing composite and metallic aerospace structures
• Experience with spacecraft structural design and analysis, including understanding of launch vehicle environments
• Strong knowledge of structural dynamics, vibration analysis, and modal testing
• Ability to develop and validate finite element models for complex structural systems
• Experience with structural optimization techniques and mass reduction strategies
• Excellent technical communication skills, both written and verbal

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in satellite structural analysis
• Experience with optical or communications satellite structural design
• Knowledge of spacecraft thermal-structural analysis and thermal distortion effects
• Experience with multi-orbit satellite constellation design considerations
• Familiarity with space environment effects on structural materials
• Experience with structural testing and correlation of test data with analytical models
• Knowledge of industry standards and practices for spacecraft structural design (NASA, AIAA, etc.)
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading technical teams
• Programming skills in…