Structural Analyst II

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 skilled and motivated spacecraft Structural Analyst II to support the design, analysis, and development of structural systems for our next-generation spacecraft platforms. In this role, you will contribute to ensuring spacecraft structural integrity throughout the full development lifecycle, from early concept and detailed design through hardware testing, verification, and flight readiness. You will perform structural analyses, develop high-fidelity finite element models, and support engineering decisions that balance structural performance, mass efficiency, and manufacturability.

You will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of mission-critical spacecraft structures while collaborating closely with mechanical, propulsion, avionics, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), thermal, and systems engineering teams. This position is ideal for an engineer with strong analytical and structural modeling skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about developing reliable spacecraft systems that support mission success.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Structural Design & Analysis

Conduct structural analysis and assist in 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

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

Structural Verification & Test Support

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

What It Takes

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Structural Engineering

2+ years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or comparable aerospace hardware

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)

Experience 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

Base Salary: $100,000-140,000

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.