Structural Engineer III (GFEM)

At Sierra Space, we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Sierra Space builds and delivers the future of space transportation, destinations and infrastructure, offering "space-as-a-service" in support of the new space economy.
Sierra Space, based in Louisville, Colorado with operations in Madison, Wisconsin, Durham, North Carolina, and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space
The Space Destinations organization is a diverse, collaborative team tasked with rapidly creating the next generation of technology, products, and capabilities for Sierra Space. We are hands-on, embrace risk, and move quickly to fly impactful solutions for our customers. The Structural Engineer III supports the concept, architecture, design, build, verification and validation, and operation of innovative robotic and manned spacecraft and subsystems for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), lunar, and deep space applications.
Specifically, you will support the design optimization of significant primary structure for the LIFE Habitat. A strong technical foundation in FEM is required and GFEM experience is preferred. In this role, you will support the structural design efforts of components from the conceptual phase to development and certification. You will manage FEM maturation corresponding to flight design and loads maturation, and will be responsible for coordinating FEM management with the stress and loads teams.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop fatigue and fracture properties for novel spacecraft designs
• Work with design and materials engineers on material selection and property development
• Implement fracture control for manned space flight applications
• Develop material characterization test plans and direct hands-on laboratory testing and failure analysis of vehicle hardware and raw stock materials
• Find and implement innovative approaches to improve fatigue life of hardware
• Serve as a residential expert for testing of the mechanical behavior of metals
• Review stress team execution of detailed fracture and fatigue component analysis

Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical, aerospace, or civil Engineering or related discipline and typically six (6) or more years of relevant experience; higher education may be considered in lieu of experience
• Relevant work experience may substitute for required education
• Direct experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, Nastran, FEMAP, or ANSYS
• Experience performing composite and structural member sizing and optimization using Hypersizer, HyperX, or similar
• Experience with composite material analysis
• Experience with static and dynamic analysis techniques, including shock, sine vibration, random vibration, and fatigue
• Ability to perform classical analysis using industry standard hand calculation methods
• Understanding of engineering principles and practices
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

Preferred:

• Previous Global or System FEM experience
• Knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model-based definition, material hardware selection, manufacturing and production processes
• Knowledge of Computer Aided Engineering tools
• Experience authoring substantiation reports
• Experience with developing tools to expedite analyses
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services.
Estimated Starting Salary Range: $91,154.71 - $125,337.72
Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
As COVID-19 continues to significantly impact our employees, families and communities, we are taking action to address the increased risk and uncertainty COVID-19 and associated variants pose in the workplace. SNC is committed to supporting our employees while ensuring we continue to meet essential national security needs of our country.
With employee health and safety as our top priority, and as a federal contractor, SNC will continue to require COVID-19 vaccination status for all employees including new hires. In accordance with applicable requirements, all current and newly hired employees who are unvaccinated may be required to adhere to enhanced onsite safety protocols including weekly COVID-19 testing, face coverings, and social distancing.
The status of applicable COVID-19 vaccination requirements are subject to change depending on applicable court orders and the course of ongoing litigation. Candidates may later be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption.
At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.