CesiumAstro · 1 day ago
Principal Launch Vehicle Design Engineer II
El Segundo, CA
Contract
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$167K/yr - $202K/yr
11+ years expCesiumAstro is a pioneering company in the development of communication systems for satellites and airborne platforms. They are seeking a Principal Launch Vehicle Design Engineer II to lead the design and analysis of launch vehicle structures and mentor engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.
AerospaceDronesSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead the design, analysis, and development of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, stage interfaces, and payload accommodations
Perform static and transient structural and thermal analysis of LV components and systems to ensure mechanical integrity under operational loads
Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply findings to optimize designs
Prepare CAD models for FEA analysis and manufacturing
Generate technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and contributions to PDRs and CDRs
Collaborate across mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systems
Mentor junior and senior engineers to build technical understanding and professional development
Participate in mission operations, anomaly investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
11+ years of industry experience in aerospace design and analysis
Expertise in Ansys tools: Mechanical, Explicit Dynamics (LS-Dyna), Linear and Nonlinear Eigenvalue Buckling, Harmonic Response, and Random Vibrations
Proficiency in MATLAB for programming, data analysis, and optimization
Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX)
Strong foundation in systems engineering principles, requirements flowdown, and integration
Hands-on experience with hardware development, testing, and qualification
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
Prior experience with cryogenic systems, liquid rocket systems, and LV components
Hands-on experience designing and improving LV hardware
Knowledge of manufacturing and technological processes for aerospace parts
Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices
Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment
Benefits
Company stock options
Health
Dental
Vision
HSA
FSA
Life
Disability
Retirement plans
Company
CesiumAstro
CesiumAstro provides out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space or airborne platforms.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$185.24MKey Investors
Trousdale VenturesAirbus Ventures
2024-06-18Series B· $65M
2024-02-13Series Unknown· $30M
2023-01-26Series Unknown· $2.09M
Recent News
2026-01-07
Satellite Today
2025-04-16
2025-04-03
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