Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer

Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space. 

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models. 

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy.

Position Overview 

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the structural analysis, design, and optimization of spacecraft and high-performance aerospace systems. 
In this role, you will take technical ownership of complex space mechanism and spacecraft assemblies from concept through production and operation, ensuring structural integrity and mission success in demanding launch and on-orbit environments. 

Responsibilities 

• Perform detailed structural static and dynamic analyses of spacecraft and aerospace hardware, including flight and ground support systems. 

• Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity finite element models (FEMs) to predict structural performance under static, dynamic, acoustic, shock, and thermal environments. 

• Plan, execute, and correlate environmental test campaigns (vibration, modal, and shock), comparing analytical and test data to verify design margins. 

• Own subsystem structural design and analysis through all lifecycle phases — concept, design, test, and integration — ensuring cross-functional alignment with design, propulsion, electrical, manufacturing, and test teams. 

• Develop automated data-processing and analysis workflows using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or VBA to improve efficiency and consistency. 

• Document analysis methodologies and results, prepare test and verification reports, and present findings to internal teams, leadership, and customers. 

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development, analysis best practices, and process improvement initiatives. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline. 

• 5+ years of experience performing structural analysis for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or high-reliability aerospace systems. 

• Proficiency in finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar. 

• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) for design work and integration with FEMs. 

• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, vibration, shock, and material properties. 

• Experience with environmental test planning, execution, and model correlation. 

• Proficiency in data analysis and scripting tools (Python, MATLAB, or VBA). 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. 

• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structural dynamics and verification. 

• Expertise in fracture mechanics, nonlinear FEM, fatigue, and bolted joint analysis. 

• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, DAQ systems). 

• Familiarity with classical structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, NASA-STD methods). 

• Proven technical leadership or mentorship of structural analysis teams or projects. 

Why Join Us 

You’ll be part of a team developing next-generation spacecraft and aerospace systems where analytical rigor, hands-on testing, and creative problem solving directly impact mission success. 
This position offers significant technical ownership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to shape engineering best practices within a growing organization. 

This position is a hybrid work model, requiring time both in our Lafayette, CO office and remotely.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Location and Benefits

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

Eligibility

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”).

Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.