Senior Structural Dynamics Analyst, Deployable Antenna Structures

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We are looking for a Senior Structural Dynamics Analyst to own the structural analysis backbone of E-Space's Integrated Antenna Structure team. The hardware is a large deployable spacecraft antenna. Once deployed, the structure is large, light, soft, geometrically nonlinear, and has its first modes at low frequency.

You will build and own the integrated finite element model of the deployed antenna assembly, predict its dynamics, correlate it against test, and flow structural requirements from the system down to the contributing teams. This is a senior individual contributor role. You will run the model yourself, not direct others who do.

This is a structural dynamics role, not a stress role. If most of your experience is static strength, fatigue and damage tolerance, or detail stress of airframe or ground structures, this is not the right fit. If you have spent your career on modes, frequency response, and making a model agree with a test for the right physical reasons, we want to hear from you.

On-site in Arlington, Texas. Hands-on bench work and test facility presence are required. Some travel between sites expected.

What you will do:

Own the integrated FEM of the deployed antenna assembly. Integrate stiffness and mass properties from the component teams at whatever fidelity each can supply, and know where the combined model is weakest.
Perform deployed-state structural performance analysis: modal survey prediction, static deflection under on-orbit loads (thermal, attitude control), and margin of safety verification.
Develop and maintain the structural requirements allocation and error budget, flowing system-level performance requirements down to component-level stiffness, mass, and CTE requirements for each contributing team, and tracking margin consumption as the design changes.
Lead model-test correlation at each level of the V&V test pyramid: produce pre-test predictions, update model parameters from test data only where the change is physically justified, and maintain a documented correlation record.
Analyze antenna deployment (meaning the unfolding on orbit): deployment kinematics, tensioning loads, deployment force margins, and deployment dynamics. Provide test predictions to the Mechanical Test Engineer and work with them to separate gravity-offload rig effects from antenna behavior.
Provide pre-test predictions and structural response interpretation for vibration and shock testing of the stowed antenna assembly, working with the Mechanical Test Engineer.
Assess structural risk of design changes and interface deviations, and provide structural input to anomaly investigations.

Required qualifications:

BS or MS or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
Structural dynamics as your primary discipline: modal analysis, frequency response, and eigenvalue methods, demonstrated in work you have done and not only listed as a skill.
Proficiency in FEA (Nastran, ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent) for modal, static, and linear dynamics problems.
Personal responsibility for at least one model-test correlation against modal or vibration test data, including a case where the model and test disagreed and you found out why.
Ability to build and maintain a system-level integrated FEM incorporating inputs from multiple contributing teams at different fidelity levels.
Structural analysis of flight or high-reliability hardware, including margins and requirements compliance.

Preferred qualifications:

BS or MS or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
Structural dynamics as your primary discipline: modal analysis, frequency response, and eigenvalue methods, demonstrated in work you have done and not only listed as a skill.
Proficiency in FEA (Nastran, ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent) for modal, static, and linear dynamics problems.
Personal responsibility for at least one model-test correlation against modal or vibration test data, including a case where the model and test disagreed and you found out why.
Ability to build and maintain a system-level integrated FEM incorporating inputs from multiple contributing teams at different fidelity levels.
Structural analysis of flight or high-reliability hardware, including margins and requirements compliance.

Additional Requirements

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Arlington, TX office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.

E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference

• Sustainability at our core

• Fair and honest workplace

• Innovative thinking is encouraged

• Competitive salaries

• Continuous learning and development

• Health and wellness care options

• Financial solutions for the future

• Optional legal services (US only)

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off