← All roles

Spacecraft Structures Analyst (Opto-Mechanical Focus)

Muon Space· Engineering - Hardware
Apply on company site
Hybrid (San Jose, CA)$182k - $204kfull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Spacecraft structural analyst with opto-mechanical focus responsible for full lifecycle structural work, from conceptual analyses to detailed FEM, test correlation, risk-informed decisions, and team leadership in a fast-paced startup environment. Hybrid role based in San Jose, CA requiring on-site presence three days per week.

Responsibilities

  • Full lifecycle ownership of structures from quick-and-dirty early analysis for conceptual design to detailed finite element modeling to test support
  • Linear and nonlinear static analysis
  • Modal, frequency, and random response analyses
  • Dynamic environments definition
  • Model correlation to test data
  • Root causes analysis
  • Coupled loads analysis
  • Scoping test plans and writing test reports
  • Find solutions in line with the risk posture of the company and programs, suggesting alternatives to traditional approaches and specifying the risks associated with those options
  • Make economically sound choices for the company while understanding the path to constellations. Find solutions balancing the need to quickly demonstrate capability with the need to deploy systems at scale (make vs buy trades, etc)
  • Create quick concepts and models that can be used to discuss and spur inspiration on the team in early phases of programs
  • Establish engineering standards and tools for others on the team to help instill a culture of rigor and analysis in all aspects of mechanical design
  • Define and drive mechanical/structural validation and test approach (establish factors of safety, identify no-test margins, design dynamics and static load tests, pre-test response predictions, coordinate with test venues and direct tests on-site, etc)
  • Plan, execute and run post-test analysis and reduction on system-level and component vibration, shock and other mechanical tests

Qualifications

  • 8+ years (BS+8 / MS+6) in spacecraft or aerospace structural analysis
  • B.S. or higher degree in an engineering field, preferably Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • Exceptional attention to detail and critical thinking
  • Extensive experience running detailed finite element analyses for aerospace systems (FEMAP, ANSYS)
  • Experience designing and executing structural tests for spacecraft
  • Extensive experience as an individual contributor structural analyst
  • Software skills in one or more of Python, Matlab, Julia, C, C++, Fortran or similar
  • Excellent communication, presentation, coordination skills & curiosity
  • Dedication to drawing conclusions on the most important factors and data
  • Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new opportunities each week
  • A desire to change the way the world understands and reacts to climate and environmental data
  • Travel occasionally required to execute tests on-site with environmental test vendors

Skills

Required:Finite element analysisStructural testingProgramming languages
Nice to have:Leadership / mentoring

Benefits

  • competitive equity grant
  • comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k retirement plan
  • short & long term disability and life insurance
  • three weeks paid vacation for new employees
  • 12 paid holidays
  • unlimited sick time
  • paid parental leave
Last updated Sep 19, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Muon Space

The Mission Foundry — designing, building, and operating high-performance satellite constellations for National Security, civil, and commercial customers.

Design, build, and operate mission-optimized satellite constellations with Muon Space.

Mission FoundryMission DesignSpacecraft PlatformsPayloads & Data ProductsOrbital AIConstellation ProductionManaged Orbital Services
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Muon Space