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.