About the RoleApex is looking for a Spacecraft Structural Analyst to own structural modeling, analysis, and validation of spacecraft hardware from early design through flight readiness. This role sits at the center of hardware development, driving structural performance across components, subsystems, and full vehicles. You'll work closely with design, dynamics, and test teams to ensure hardware meets launch and on-orbit requirements while enabling rapid iteration.
Responsibilities:- Own structural analysis across components, assemblies, and full spacecraft from initial sizing through test and validation
- Develop high-fidelity finite element models and perform analyses (FEA and hand calculations) to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, and fatigue
- Define structural load cases and environments, including force-limited dynamic loads (random, sine, shock, acoustics)
- Generate margins for metallic and composite structures, including joints and interfaces (bolted, bonded, etc.)
- Drive design decisions and architecture through trade studies and analysis insights
- Define and lead structural test campaigns, including vibration and environmental qualification
- Correlate FEM models with test and flight data to improve prediction accuracy
- Generate structural requirements, specifications, and ICDs for components and full spacecraft
- Develop and standardize analysis methods, tools, and workflows used across the company
- Partner cross-functionally with design, dynamics, manufacturing, and test to close the loop between analysis and hardware
- Manage external vendors and third-party analysts to scale analysis efforts and ensure quality
- Support the development of scalable test approaches and infrastructure aligned with high-rate production
- Contribute to team growth through mentorship, recruiting, and technical leadership
Requirements:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
- 5+ years of experience as a structural analyst in spacecraft, aerospace, automotive, or similar industries
- Expertise in finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)
- Experience performing trade studies to inform system and component architecture
- Experience analyzing force-limited dynamic load cases (random, sine, shock)
- Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, including strength, stability, fatigue, and joint analysis
- Experience calculating margins for metallic and composite structures
- Proficiency with CAD tools (NX or similar)
- Experience defining loads, requirements, and verification approaches across the design lifecycle
- Experience leading or supporting vibration testing and structural qualification campaigns
- Experience managing external analysts or vendors and planning analysis scope
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical insights clearly
Nice to have:- Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related field
- Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware
- Experience with vibro-acoustic analysis or testing
- Hands-on vibration testing experience in production or high-rate environments
- Experience generating unit-level vibration specifications
- Experience correlating FEM models with test or flight data
- Experience with composites and advanced structures
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or VBA for analysis and automation
Why Join Apex?Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:- Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
- Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
- Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
- Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
- 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
- Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
- Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
- Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
- World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
- Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference
Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
