Sr- or Staff-level Structural Analyst

Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr- or Staff-level Structural Analyst to support design, analysis, integration, testing, and maintenance of hypersonic vehicle and launch system structure. This position will include contributing to conceptual and detailed structural analysis-driven design of primary and secondary structure. You are responsible for contributing to the vehicle’s structural technical performance, including meeting design and mission requirements, resolving technical challenges, and implementing technology upgrades that improve the competitive basis of the hypersonic vehicle and launch system architecture.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in portions of the structural development of hypersonic vehicles and launch systems
• Generate and maintain finite element method (FEM) models - including meshing, materials & properties assignment, grouping, etc.
• Generate and/or expand upon FEMAP interfacing and data reduction scripts and programs
• Apply vehicle loads and environments to FEM
• Perform modal and linear finite element analysis (FEA), as required, to evaluate vehicle loads and environments
• Perform structural trade studies to develop and/or improve airframe load paths
• Assess and confirm FEA results with hand calculations as appropriate
• Interpret results and make design modifications to meet program requirements
• Select material systems and construction techniques, as needed, that meet project objectives
• Work with structural and mechanical designers to incorporate analysis-driven design modifications
• Create analysis reports to support the documentation of structural margins
• Perform detailed design of structural components and assemblies, as required
• Assist structural designers in disposition of manufacturing nonconformances and resolve technical challenges, as they arise
• Evaluate risks and develop risk mitigation plans for primary structures
• Regular and comprehensive communication to relevant Structures Lead and Section Manager
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong fundamental structures background, including load paths and the ability to hand size structural components
• Perform structural hand calculations
• Experience designing and analyzing either composite or metallic structures
• Experience with FEM generation
• Experience with FEA and FEA post-processing
• Experience generating pre- and post-processing scripts
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to take direction, work relatively independently, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Required Computer Skills:

• Proficient with FEMAP and NX NASTRAN
• Experience programming - Python, C++, or Matlab
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with BMI or epoxy pre-preg composites
• Experience with static structural testing
• Experience with loads development
• Experience with dynamics analyses

Preferred Computer Skills:

• Computer Aided Design tools – NX (preferred), Solidworks, or CATIA
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr Level ($102,000-$172,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($129,000-$214,000: Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for remote or hybrid position for well-qualified candidate.
• Travel estimated to be