Principal Structural Analyst I

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Principal Structural Analyst I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.

In this position you will work directly with our structures and mechanisms team to ensure the structural integrity, performance, and reliability of satellite structures.

• Lead and oversee the structural analysis of satellite components, subsystems, and assemblies, including primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and deployable systems.
• Develop and implement advanced finite element models (FEM) to simulate and predict the structural behavior of satellite structures under various loading conditions, including launch, in-orbit, and thermal environments.
• Demonstrate and communicate the validity and applicability of models.
• Develop and deliver reduced order Hurty/Craig-Bampton models for launch vehicle coupled loads analysis.
• Perform linear and nonlinear static, dynamic, vibroacoustic, and thermo-mechanical analyses to assess the strength, stiffness, survivability, and stability of satellite structures, identifying potential failure modes and structural margins.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structural designs, materials, and configurations to meet performance, weight, and cost targets while ensuring structural safety and reliability.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to evaluate design alternatives, assess design margins, and mitigate structural risks and uncertainties.
• Generate comprehensive analysis reports, technical memos, and presentations to communicate analysis results, conclusions, and recommendations to project stakeholders, including management, customers, and regulatory authorities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior mechanical engineers and analysts, fostering their professional growth and development in structural analysis techniques, methodologies, and best practices.
• Support the development and validation of structural models, simulations, and test plans for ground and flight testing of satellite structures, collaborating with test engineers and technicians.
• Investigate and resolve structural anomalies, discrepancies, and non-conformances encountered during design, manufacturing, testing, or operations, implementing corrective actions and lessons learned.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university or institution.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in structural analysis.
• Extensive experience in mechanical analysis in harsh environmental conditions
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) software, Ansys or NASTRAN preferred
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, and materials science principles relevant to space applications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical abilities, with the capability to identify, assess, and resolve complex structural challenges and performance issues.
• Ability to bound difficult problems through first principles and hand calculations
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including engineers, managers, and customers.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and compliance in all aspects of structural analysis and evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automation of analysis tasks and post-processing of simulation results.
• Knowledge of optimization methods and tools for structural design and performance enhancement.
• Experience with structural qualification and certification of aerospace hardware for space missions.
• Extensive experience with ANSYS mechanical analysis.
• Satellite structural design and analysis experience including solar arrays and honeycomb composites.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package featuring health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life and retirement plans. 

CesiumAstro, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.