Spacecraft Structural Engineer in Reading

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.

Your Role

We are seeking a Structural Engineer to support the design, analysis, testing, and qualification of structures for our VLEO satellite missions. You will work across the full development lifecycle of flight hardware, from early structural modelling and design reviews through environmental testing and validation, helping ensure the reliability and survivability of spacecraft operating in one of the harshest orbital environments. You will work closely with mechanical, thermal, propulsion, systems, and AIT teams to develop structurally robust hardware capable of surviving launch and sustained operations in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of flight hardware including spacecraft structures, propulsion subsystems, and mechanical assemblies. This includes static, modal, random vibration, sine, shock, and quasi-static load cases.
• Develop and validate finite element models (FEM) for spacecraft and high-performance aerospace structures.
• Perform hand calculations for preliminary analysis in support of FEA.
• Support structural sizing, stiffness optimisation, and load path analysis for launch and in-orbit environments.
• Plan and execute vibration, shock, and structural qualification testing test campaigns end-to-end: write the test plan, instrument the hardware, interpret the data, correlate the model, and close out the qualification report.
• Instrument hardware using accelerometers and strain gauges, and correlate test results back to analytical models.
• Review engineering drawings and collaborate directly with designers to drive structural design decisions.
• Support qualification activities against relevant aerospace and space standards including GEVS, ECSS, and NASA requirements.
• Contribute to structural verification activities across development, integration, and test phases.

Fundamental Requirements

• Education: B.S. or M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related fields.
• 3+ years of structural analysis experience on flight hardware, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or high-performance structures.
• Experience with structural analysis of spacecraft structures and subsystems, including electronic boxes, propulsion systems, hydraulics, or solar panels.
• Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM).
• Hands-on experience with FEM and ability to justify modelling assumptions and approaches.
• Experience with Altair OptiStruct is a strong plus; proficiency with industry-standard solvers such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Abaqus is required.
• Familiarity with launch environments including random vibration PSDs, SRS shock spectra, and quasi-static load factors.
• Practical experience supporting environmental testing, including instrumentation with accelerometers and strain gauges and model correlation activities.
• Confidence reading and reviewing engineering drawings and working directly with design engineers on structural decisions.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with analysis of composite materials.
• Experience with material testing, metallic and composites.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.
• Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
• Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.
• Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you're joining us from abroad.