Senior Structural Engineer (Spacecraft)

A growing aerospace company developing next-generation spacecraft platforms are looking for a Senior Spacecraft Structural Engineer to lead structural modeling and analysis activities across flight programs. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring spacecraft structures meet performance, reliability, and mission requirements.

In this position, you will oversee the full lifecycle of spacecraft structural models, from initial development through validation and flight readiness. You will also act as a key technical leader within the engineering team, providing guidance on structural analysis approaches and supporting strategic engineering decisions with robust technical data.

This is a full-time onsite role based in El Segundo, California, within a fast-paced and collaborative startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis efforts across multiple engineering teams and spacecraft programs.
• Establish structural modeling approaches, margin philosophies, and analysis standards to support mission success and schedule targets.
• Take ownership of spacecraft structural models, including development, refinement, and validation.
• Perform advanced structural analyses including static loads, modal analysis, dynamic response, acoustics, shock, and thermo-structural interactions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to mechanical and structural engineers, helping strengthen modeling practices and analytical methods.
• Review and approve structural analysis strategies, technical documentation, and test correlation reports.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with systems, thermal, and test teams throughout design and verification phases.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10 years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable aerospace systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading structural analysis workstreams or major structural subsystems across engineering programs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across technical teams and leadership levels.
• High level of professional judgment, problem-solving ability, and resilience in a fast-moving engineering environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive technical information responsibly.
• Must be eligible and able to obtain security clearance

Preferred Experience

• Experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools to automate finite element modeling workflows and data processing.
• Background supporting structural test campaigns such as vibration, acoustic, or shock testing, including fixture development and instrumentation planning.