Sr. Structural Engineer

Summary

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Senior Structural Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Structural Analysis Engineering Manager the Sr. Structural Engineer will be involved in all aspects of a spacecraft’s lifetime with an in-depth vision to guide and mentor junior members of the team. They support spacecraft structural systems and subsystem design from the concept level through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and design verification testing. In addition to predictive and analytical work, the Sr. 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

• Collaborate 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
• High-level coordination and planning and assisting management to support ongoing programs and tasks assigned to the team
• Peer review of technical material generated by the team and providing approval for release
• Assist in creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures (systems & subsystems level) and conducting analyses including but not limited to static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, nonlinear, and transient for complex spacecraft systems and subsystems composed of various materials used in the space industry
• Own 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 if the test with the test house if testing is outsourcing, designing, and analyzing test fixtures, assessment of tools and hardware required for each test, transportation of the test item to the test house and documentation of all the decision and changes
• Develop test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical analyses and tests, including but not limited to vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance testing
• Interface with outside vendors and test facilities to coordinate mechanical testing logistics and requirements
• Participate in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and design analysis for ongoing and future projects
• Design and analyze testing fixtures suitable for conducting mechanical tests
• Innovate and implement advanced tools and processes to enhance the efficiency and precision of structural analysis products
• Establish working relationships with company and program Chief Engineers, as well as IPT leads, to effectively manage schedules and ensure technical compliance
• Spearhead Engineering Review Board (ERB) topics by clearly communicating issues or anomalies and providing a definitive, actionable path to resolution

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree or Master’s Degree and or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or equivalent degree required
• Minimum of 5 years of direct industry experience working on structural analyses utilizing a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques in space, aerospace, or similar sector
• Must have experience leading teams and entry-level mentoring engineers
• Experience working with Nastran and Patran
• Must have experience with vibration and shock testing of space and aerospace grade equipment with applicable standards from Military and or NASA
• Deep knowledge of launch vehicle loads and requirements and implications on spacecraft systems and subsystems
• Previous experience developing detailed and or simplified structural models for spacecraft systems, subsystems, and components is a plus
• Experience with Solid works or other equivalent CAD software is a must
• Strong communication and presentation skills to interface with customers and vendors

   Additional Differentiators

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering with solid mechanics focus or similar
• Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing of components and complex systems, along with data acquisition and processing