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Structural Analysis Engineer (II/III)

Irvine, CA

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer (II/III) to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Structural Analysis Engineering Manager, the Structural Analysis Engineer (II/III) will support spacecraft structural system/sub-system design from the concept level through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and design verification/testing. In addition to predictive and analytical work, Structural Engineers may serve on-console during spacecraft test activities and operations, including periods of off-hours or on-call work.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work with a multidisciplinary team to reduce risks by identifying the constraining elements of the structure design and recommend mitigation strategies from concept level to design, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration.
  • Creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures (systems & sub-systems level) and conducting analyses including but not limited to static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, non-linear, and transient for complex spacecraft systems and sub-systems composed of various materials (isotropic, orthotropic, composites, honeycomb and non-linear) used in the space industry.
  • Ownership of mechanical test projects from start to finish, including but not limited to obtaining quotations from the test house, resolving schedule conflicts internally and externally, planning logistics of the test with the test house if testing is out-sourced, designing and analyzing test fixtures, assessment of tools/ hardware required for each test, transportation of the test item to the test house and documentation of all the decision and changes.
  • Developing test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical analyses and tests, including but not limited to vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance tests.
  • Interfacing with outside vendors/test facilities to coordinate mechanical testing logistics and requirements.
  • Participating in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and design/ analysis for ongoing and future projects.
  • Design and analysis of testing fixtures suitable for conducting mechanical tests.

Qualifications and Skills

  • BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or equivalent degree required.
  • 2+ years of direct experience (Engineer - level 2) working on structural analyses utilizing a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques in space/ aerospace or similar sector.
  • 5+ years of direct experience (Sr. Engineer - level 3) working on structural analyses utilizing a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques in space/ aerospace or similar sector.
  • Experience working with Nastran/Patran.
  • Must understand solid mechanics and material science principles in conjunction with static and dynamic launch environment loads.
  • Experience with Solidworks or other equivalent CAD software.
  • Previous experience interfacing with internal and external customers.
  • Must possess good presentation and communication skills.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering with a solid mechanics focus or similar desired.
  • Previous experience developing detailed and simplified structural models for spacecraft systems, sub-systems, and components.
  • Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing of components and complex systems, along with data acquisition/ processing.
  • Experience in a production environment within the space/ aerospace industry.
  • Experience with MSC software package (MSC Apex, NASTRAN, PATRAN, ADAMS, MARC) is a plus.

Salary Ranges

Structural Analysis Engineer (Level II) $90k $130k

Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer (Level III) - $130k to $160k

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 

Salary Range

$90,000 - $160,000 USD

 Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm. 

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