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Structural Analyst

Cowboy Space Corporation· Launch & Propulsion Engineering
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Kent, Washington$140k - $195kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Structural prediction and design verification lead for loads, models, margins, and data to support flight hardware decisions. Own full lifecycle of structural analysis from load definition to test-anchored model correlation, developing tools, templates, and processes for the team.

Responsibilities

  • Own the full lifecycle of structural prediction and data for the team — from load definition and first-order sizing through correlated, test-anchored models used to clear hardware for flight.
  • Derive and maintain the structural load sets: quasi-static and dynamic load cases, pressure and thermal loads, and coupled loads across ground handling, ascent, and on-orbit environments.
  • Perform static strength and stability analysis — yield and ultimate margins, buckling, joint and fastener analysis, bearing and bolt-group checks, and local detail stress.
  • Perform fatigue and durability analysis: spectrum development, cumulative damage, and life prediction for reusable and cycled hardware.
  • Perform fracture and damage-tolerance analysis with crack growth where applicable, including initial flaw assumptions, critical flaw sizes, and inspection intervals. Provide guidance to the broader team for best design practices to preclude the necessity for these analyses.
  • Develop the tools, scripts, templates, and checklists the team uses to perform, document, and verify structural analyses so results are consistent, reviewable, and repeatable across engineers.
  • Select and apply material allowables, accounting for temperature, environment, process, and material form; maintain the allowables the team analyzes to.
  • Define test objectives and pass/fail criteria; support proof, static, modal, vibration, and life testing with predictions, and perform data analysis and model correlation.
  • Perform data reduction for structural test data,and correlate analytical predictions against measurements.
  • Support anomaly investigation and root cause analysis, including failure reconstruction, post-test and post-flight inspection, and disposition of nonconformances.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience performing structural analysis for flight vehicles, propulsion systems, or other high-performance hardware.
  • Strong fundamentals in solid mechanics, structural analysis, stability, and materials behavior, including plasticity, fatigue, and fracture with demonstrated experience determining static strength, stability, and fatigue analysis. Knowledgeable of damage-tolerance and crack-growth methods.
  • Proficiency with commercial FEA tools for linear and nonlinear structural problems.
  • Ability to substantiate results with classical hand calculations and to explain and defend method selection, not only tool output.
  • Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for analysis automation, post-processing, and tool development.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Skills

Required:Structural analysis lifecycle ownershipLoad case developmentStatic strength & stability analysisFatigue & durability analysisFracture & damage-tolerance analysisFEA toolsAnalysis scripting

Benefits

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
Last updated Oct 4, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Cowboy Space Corporation

Powering Humanity From the High Frontier

Cowboy Space Corp. is building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence. It is an integrated system of satellites and rockets to haul high-performance compute and optical data transmission down from Low Earth Orbit. Earth's energy grid can't run at the pace of AI. We can.

Orbital Data CentersAI compute in spacesolar-powered data centersLow Earth Orbitpower grid in space
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