Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation · Irvine, CA

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • $105,000 – $155,000
  • Posted 2026-08-28
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Structural Engineering Manager, the Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer will support spacecraft structural systems and subsystem design from concept development through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and verification testing. This role contributes technical expertise, supports testing activities, and collaborates closely with engineers across multiple disciplines.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify structural design constraints and recommend mitigation strategies across concept development, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration

• Support planning and coordination of structural analysis tasks for ongoing programs

• Perform peer reviews of technical analysis material generated within the team

• Assist in creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures and conduct analyses including static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, nonlinear, and transient

• Support mechanical test projects, including coordinating with test houses, assisting with logistics, designing and analyzing test fixtures, and documenting decisions and changes

• Develop test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance testing

• Perform structural vibration testing for spacecraft modules, including data acquisition, digital signal processing, and modal analysis

• Interpret test data in real time and provide recommendations when necessary

• Interface with vendors and test facilities to support testing requirements and logistics

• Participate in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and structural design for current and future projects

• Design and analyze test fixtures for mechanical testing

• Contribute to the development and improvement of tools and processes to enhance structural analysis efficiency

• Work effectively with program engineering leads to help maintain schedules and ensure technical compliance

• Support preparation and presentation of Engineering Review Board (ERB) items as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years of direct industry experience performing structural analyses using numerical and analytical techniques in space, aerospace, or similar sectors

• Experience with Nastran and Patran

• Experience with vibration and shock testing of aerospace or space-grade equipment and familiarity with relevant military or NASA standards

• Hands-on experience with test planning and execution

• Understanding of launch vehicle loads and their implications for spacecraft systems

• Experience creating detailed or simplified structural models for spacecraft systems or components is a plus

• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software

• Strong communication and presentation skills for interfacing with customers and vendors

• Highly process‑driven with the ability to contribute to improving structural analysis and testing processes

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus in solid mechanics

• Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing, including data acquisition and processing

• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace or space industry

• Experience with MSC tools (MSC Apex, Nastran, Patran, Adams, Marc) is a plus

• Knowledge of HALT or HASS methodologies

• Familiarity with operating a Data Physics LE‑2016 shaker table

• Understanding of applicable MIL and NASA test standards

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement

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