At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and analyse spacecraft structures for revolutionary satellite missions.
- Company: Join NewOrbit Space, a pioneer in low-orbit satellite technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, comprehensive health benefits, and hybrid work.
- Other info: Experience unmatched ownership and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking space technology and satellite operations.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of structural analysis experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
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.
Spacecraft Structural Engineer employer: NewOrbit Space
At NewOrbit Space, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have the chance to develop your skills and advance your career in a rapidly evolving industry. With competitive salaries, equity options, and comprehensive benefits, including private health insurance and a hybrid work model, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Spacecraft Structural Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to structural engineering and being ready to discuss your past projects in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for space technology! When you get the chance, share your enthusiasm for satellite engineering and how you can contribute to NewOrbit Space’s mission. It’s all about making a memorable impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Spacecraft Structural Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Spacecraft Structural Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in structural analysis and any specific projects that align with our mission at NewOrbit Space. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our satellite technology!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in aerospace and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our goals.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with FEM and any industry-standard solvers like NASTRAN or ANSYS. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what tools you’re comfortable with!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our innovative team at NewOrbit Space!
How to prepare for a job interview at NewOrbit Space
✨Know Your Structures
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of structural analysis, especially related to spacecraft. Be prepared to discuss your experience with FEM and hand calculations, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Testing Protocols
Since you'll be involved in vibration, shock, and structural qualification testing, it’s crucial to understand these processes. Review how to write test plans and interpret data, and be ready to share examples of your past experiences in environmental testing.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Think of instances where you collaborated with mechanical, thermal, or propulsion teams, and be ready to discuss how you contributed to structural design decisions.
✨Show Your Passion for Space Tech
NewOrbit Space is all about pioneering technology, so express your enthusiasm for the space industry. Share why you're excited about working on ULEO satellites and how you see your role contributing to advancing global connectivity and insight.
