Structural Engineer III - Spacecraft Programs

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Spacecraft Structural Engineer III to lead the design, analysis, and development of spacecraft structural systems across multiple flight programs. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring structural integrity from early concept through flight, performing high-fidelity structural analyses, supporting hardware testing, and driving design decisions that balance mass, strength, and manufacturability.

As a senior member of the engineering team, you will work closely with propulsion, avionics, thermal, and systems engineers to ensure structurally sound spacecraft designs while helping guide structural standards, modeling practices, and verification approaches across the company.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Structural Design & Analysis

• Lead structural analysis and design efforts for spacecraft primary and secondary structures
• Perform detailed analyses including static, modal, vibration, shock, acoustic, and thermal-structural coupling
• Develop finite element models to evaluate structural margins across launch and on-orbit environments
• Conduct structural trade studies to optimize mass, stiffness, manufacturability, and system integration

Structural Modeling & Simulation

• Build and maintain spacecraft finite element models (FEM) using tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, or equivalent
• Generate analysis-ready models from CAD assemblies (Creo or similar) and ensure consistency between design and analysis configurations
• Develop analysis workflows and modeling practices to support rapid design iteration

Structural Verification & Test Support

• Define structural verification strategies including analysis-based margin justification and environmental test plans
• Support structural testing campaigns including vibration, acoustic, shock, and static load testing
• Correlate FEM results with test data and update models to improve predictive capability

Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, propulsion, avionics, GNC, and thermal teams to ensure structural compatibility across spacecraft systems
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and program milestones to ensure structural readiness
• Identify structural risks early and propose mitigation strategies

Technical Leadership

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior structural and mechanical engineers
• Contribute to development of internal structural analysis standards, tools, and best practices
• Support program leadership with structural insights during key engineering and mission decisions

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Structural Engineering
• 7+ years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable aerospace hardware
• Strong experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar
• Experience building structural models directly from CAD assemblies (Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent)
• Expertise analyzing launch and dynamic environments, including sine/random vibration, shock, and acoustic loads
• Experience supporting structural testing and model correlation using real hardware test data
• Knowledge of aerospace structural materials, joints, fasteners, and lightweight structural design techniques
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with spacecraft structural environments and mission loads
• Familiarity with composite structures, thin-walled pressure vessels, or propulsion system structures
• Experience supporting environmental test campaigns, including instrumentation and fixture design
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for analysis automation or post-processing
• Experience with fracture mechanics tools such as NASGRO
• Familiarity with aerospace structural standards such as NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, or MIL-STD-1540
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Responsibility for spacecraft structural design and analysis across flight programs
• Innovation – Hands-on involvement in developing next-generation high-mobility spacecraft platforms
• Impact – Your work will directly influence spacecraft flight readiness and mission success
• Growth – Opportunities to shape structural engineering practices within a rapidly growing space company
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA 

Base Salary: $125,000 to $175,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.