Sr Analysis Mechanical Engineer (Thermal, Structural)

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

• Develop structural analysis tools and guidelines for company-wide use; engage key stakeholders, secure their support, and provide training to engineers as required.
• Conduct structural analyses on primary and secondary structures through finite element modeling (FEM) and manual calculations.
• Establish load paths and perform preliminary structural sizing with metallic and composite materials.
• Collaborate with design teams on rapid conceptual design, modeling, analysis, and test cycles, including CAD development, finite element analysis (FEA), and test oversight.
• Produce high-quality documentation to reduce error rates and enhance operational efficiency.
• Perform peer reviews of engineering models, analyses, and testing procedures.
• Continuously pursue improvements in performance and robustness.
• Execute thermal analysis of hardware, encompassing initial high-level analyses through validation using ground tests, flight data, and orbital performance metrics.

• Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering or related field with analysis concentration
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in thermal or fluid analysis.
• Solid understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle systems.
• Proficient with thermal network analysis.
• Experienced in using ANSYS Workbench.
• Familiar with scripting languages, particularly Python.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to meet aggressive timelines.
• Master's in engineering, mathematics, or physics.
• Prior experience conducting structural analysis on primary structures.
• Proficient with finite element analysis (FEA) solvers such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, or Nastran.
• Advanced proficiency with pre- and post-processing software including ABAQUS/CAE, ANSA/META, ANSYS, or FEMAP (including scripting capabilities).
• Familiarity with nonlinear analyses related to material behavior, geometry, and contact.
• Experience conducting stress analyses of welded structures, addressing heat distortion and residual stresses.
• Strong knowledge of fatigue and fracture mechanics, with familiarity in fatigue and crack-growth analysis tools such as nCode, NASGRO, or equivalent software.
• Competency with scripting using Python, VBA, or Matlab.
• Strong communication skills with the capability to clearly and concisely present recommendations.
• Self-motivated with the willingness to independently tackle new challenges and effectively manage multiple tasks concurrently 

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.