Terran Orbital

Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer

Terran Orbital$105K — $155K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years industry experience in structural analyses in aerospace
  • Proficient with Nastran and Patran
  • Experience with vibration and shock testing of aerospace equipment
  • Hands-on experience with test planning and execution
  • Knowledge of launch vehicle loads affecting spacecraft systems
  • Strong communication skills for vendor and customer interactions

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to mitigate structural design constraints
  • Plan and coordinate structural analysis tasks for programs
  • Perform peer reviews of technical analysis materials
  • Create finite element models and conduct various structural analyses
  • Support mechanical testing projects, including logistics and documentation
  • Develop test plans and procedures for mechanical testing
  • Interpret test data in real-time and make recommendations

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave
Full Job Description
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Structural Engineering Manager, the Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer will support spacecraft structural systems and subsystem design from concept development through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and verification testing. This role contributes technical expertise, supports testing activities, and collaborates closely with engineers across multiple disciplines.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify structural design constraints and recommend mitigation strategies across concept development, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration
  • Support planning and coordination of structural analysis tasks for ongoing programs
  • Perform peer reviews of technical analysis material generated within the team
  • Assist in creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures and conduct analyses including static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, nonlinear, and transient
  • Support mechanical test projects, including coordinating with test houses, assisting with logistics, designing and analyzing test fixtures, and documenting decisions and changes
  • Develop test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance testing
  • Perform structural vibration testing for spacecraft modules, including data acquisition, digital signal processing, and modal analysis
  • Interpret test data in real time and provide recommendations when necessary
  • Interface with vendors and test facilities to support testing requirements and logistics
  • Participate in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and structural design for current and future projects
  • Design and analyze test fixtures for mechanical testing
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of tools and processes to enhance structural analysis efficiency
  • Work effectively with program engineering leads to help maintain schedules and ensure technical compliance
  • Support preparation and presentation of Engineering Review Board (ERB) items as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of direct industry experience performing structural analyses using numerical and analytical techniques in space, aerospace, or similar sectors
  • Experience with Nastran and Patran
  • Experience with vibration and shock testing of aerospace or space-grade equipment and familiarity with relevant military or NASA standards
  • Hands-on experience with test planning and execution
  • Understanding of launch vehicle loads and their implications for spacecraft systems
  • Experience creating detailed or simplified structural models for spacecraft systems or components is a plus
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
  • Strong communication and presentation skills for interfacing with customers and vendors
  • Highly process-driven with the ability to contribute to improving structural analysis and testing processes
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators
  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus in solid mechanics
  • Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing, including data acquisition and processing
  • Experience in a production environment within the aerospace or space industry
  • Experience with MSC tools (MSC Apex, Nastran, Patran, Adams, Marc) is a plus
  • Knowledge of HALT or HASS methodologies
  • Familiarity with operating a Data Physics LE-2016 shaker table
  • Understanding of applicable MIL and NASA test standards


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

$105,000-$155,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

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

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.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of small satellites and related components. The company's products are used for a variety of applications, including Earth observation, communications, and scientific research. Terran Orbital also provides launch services for its customers, using a variety of vehicles and platforms. The company is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and has additional facilities in California and Florida.
Learn more about Terran Orbital
Size
50 employees
Market Cap
$210.6 million
Industry
NASDAQ

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