Full Job Description
Redwire Space Enterprises, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Structural Engineer to join our Structural Analysis team in Goleta, CA. As a Structural Engineer, you'll play a critical role in analyzing, designing, and validating mission-critical space systems that must perform flawlessly in the harshest environments. If you're energized by solving complex engineering challenges, advancing innovative technologies, and seeing your work contribute to some of the world's most ambitious space missions, we invite you to join Redwire and discover what it means to be Made for the Mission.
Responsibilities
• Develop system-level dynamic finite element models of deployable spacecraft structures using Ansys or Femap/Nastran
• Perform detailed modeling and analysis of composite and metallic structures, including sandwich panel configurations
• Support all phases of component and sub-component structural static and dynamic testing, including test planning, test procedures, on-site test execution, post-test data processing, and test reports
• Correlate analytical models with test results to validate structural performance
• Conduct piece-part stress analyses (including bolted joints) and document in stress reports to support drawing release
• Review engineering designs and drawings, providing clear and actionable analysis feedback to the Design Engineering team
• Work closely with mechanical design, thermal, and systems engineering teams to ensure structural requirements are understood, traceable, and met
• Prepare and present technical reports, findings, and design review materials for internal and customer-facing reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
• Serve as a direct interface with customers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on technical issues and requirements
• Independently develop solutions and analysis approaches with minimal oversight
Ideal Experience
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related STEM discipline, with 5 or more years of applicable experience
• Creating finite element models using Nastran or Ansys based on CAD geometry making assumptions and simplifications to adequately represent the structure
• Vibration test experience (random vibration and sine)
• Ability to travel to support testing. Most of the travel is local but some overnight travel may be required
Desired Skills
• Non-linear and transient FEA analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work under general direction, providing technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems
• Experience with dynamic environments such as launch loads, vibration, and shock
• Experience modeling solar arrays and other deployable space structures
• Experience with Thermal Desktop is a plus
• Experience working with NASA and other aerospace guidelines and specifications, for example: GSFC-STD-7000 (GEVS), SMC-S-016, MMPDS, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint and Teams. Microsoft Project experience a plus
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivated in applying engineering principles, concepts, and practices of mechanical / aerospace engineering to independently perform assignments
Pay Range
$115,000/yr. - $155,000/yr.
How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)
Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
