Overview Energy · 1 month ago
Spacecraft Structures Engineer
Ashburn, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expOverview Energy is turning uninterrupted sunlight in space into directable energy on Earth. The Spacecraft Structures Engineer will lead the design, structural analysis, testing, and manufacturing of spacecraft structural systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure mission requirements and production readiness are met.
AerospaceHardwareSatellite Communication
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end development, analysis, prototyping, and integration of structural systems and spacecraft components for advanced space systems, collaborating closely within a cross-functional engineering team
Perform comprehensive structural analysis of spacecraft and platform components, including composites and metallic structures, using advanced analytical methods and industry-standard software (NX Nastran, FEA tools)
Develop, refine, and validate finite element models to assess structural performance under static, dynamic, thermal, and acoustic loads; perform trade studies and mass optimization analyses
Develop allowables and assess structural margins for bolted and bonded joints
Design and model parts, assemblies, and components in CAD software (NX), ensuring manufacturability, ease of assembly, and complete product definition including drawings, GD&T specifications, and test procedures
Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and rapid prototyping techniques to optimize spacecraft designs for simplicity, reduced cost, and efficient production
Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, including sensor selection, data validation, and environment determination (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal)
Create documentation of analysis, test results and lessons learned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in a mechanical/aerospace engineering role
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testing
Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software (NX preferred) and advanced FEA tools (NX Nastran or equivalent)
Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation
Solid understanding of GD&T, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, and mechanical design best practices
Strong understanding of dynamic mechanical system design, analysis, and failure modes (modal, random vibration, buckling, thermoelastic analysis)
Demonstrated experience with structural analysis of both metallic and composite structures (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization)
Experience with rapid prototyping and hands-on mechanical assembly
Proven ability to own and deliver complex structural systems from concept through final implementation
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements and ITAR compliance
Preferred
Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques including CNC machining, composite fabrication, additive manufacturing, and other precision fabrication processes
Experience with spacecraft separation systems and related integration or testing activities
Experience analyzing additive manufactured parts and nonlinear analysis (large displacement, metal plasticity)
Experience with fatigue life analysis
Experience defining and documenting procedures for satellite environmental testing, as well as processing and interpreting complex test data
Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Space Systems Engineering
Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Disability
Life insurance coverage
Health and wellness stipend
6 weeks of paid time off
Parental leave
Employer 401K matching
Company
Overview Energy
Overview Energy is an aerospace startup
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$18.47M2024-07-02Series Unknown· $11.67M
2022-09-01Seed· $6.8M
Leadership Team
Marc Berte
Founder / CEO
Recent News
2026-01-16
IEEE Spectrum
2026-01-13
Company data provided by crunchbase