Structural Engineer

NewOrbit Space

Structural Engineer at NewOrbit Space supporting satellite design, analysis, and testing. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on VLEO satellite missions.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeReading • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform structural analysis of flight hardware including spacecraft structures, propulsion subsystems, and mechanical assemblies. This includes static, modal, random vibration, sine, shock, and quasi-static load cases.
Develop and validate finite element models (FEM) for spacecraft and high-performance aerospace structures.
Perform hand calculations for preliminary analysis in support of FEA.
Support structural sizing, stiffness optimisation, and load path analysis for launch and in-orbit environments.
Plan and execute vibration, shock, and structural qualification testing test campaigns end-to-end: write the test plan, instrument the hardware, interpret the data, correlate the model, and close out the qualification report.
Instrument hardware using accelerometers and strain gauges, and correlate test results back to analytical models.
Review engineering drawings and collaborate directly with designers to drive structural design decisions.
Support qualification activities against relevant aerospace and space standards including GEVS, ECSS, and NASA requirements.
Contribute to structural verification activities across development, integration, and test phases.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Education: B.S. or M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of structural analysis experience on flight hardware, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or high-performance structures.
Experience with structural analysis of spacecraft structures and subsystems, including electronic boxes, propulsion systems, hydraulics, or solar panels.
Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM).
Hands-on experience with FEM and ability to justify modelling assumptions and approaches.
Experience with Altair OptiStruct is a strong plus; proficiency with industry-standard solvers such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Abaqus is required.
Familiarity with launch environments including random vibration PSDs, SRS shock spectra, and quasi-static load factors.
Practical experience supporting environmental testing, including instrumentation with accelerometers and strain gauges and model correlation activities.
Confidence reading and reviewing engineering drawings and working directly with design engineers on structural decisions.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.
Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.
Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Structural AnalysisFinite Element ModelingHand CalculationsLoad Path AnalysisVibration TestingShock TestingModel CorrelationDesign for Manufacturing (DFM)Static and Dynamic Load CasesStiffness Optimization

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationProblem-Solving