Structural Designer (Contingent)
Job Summary
Position Status: Contingent Upon Program Award
We are seeking a Structural Designerto lead the structural development and verification of spacecraft subsystems.
This role combines structural analysis mechanical design influence hardware development testing and cross-functional collaboration to ensure spacecraft systems survive launch deployment and operational environments while meeting demanding performance mass and reliability requirements. The successful candidate will own structural performance from concept through qualification working closely with systems RF electrical software mechanical manufacturing AIT and mission operations teams to develop robust and scalable solutions.
The ideal candidate thrives in environments where performance mass reliability manufacturability schedule and cost must all be balanced to achieve mission success. They are equally comfortable developing analytical models interpreting test data influencing design decisions and solving complex multidisciplinary challenges.
This role is an opportunity to directly influence the next generation of Kepler spacecraft while helpingestablishthe engineering practices technical rigor and structural engineering capability that will enable Kepler to become a world leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
Structural Development & Ownership
Lead the structural development and verification of spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight qualification and successful transition into production
Own subsystem-level structural development activities including structural modeling design assessment verification testing qualification and risk reduction
Assess spacecraft hardware performance under static dynamic vibration shock deployment and operational loading environments
Drive structural trade studies and influence design decisions using first-principles engineering simulation testing and sound engineering judgment
Identify structural risks early and recommend design improvements that enhance performance reliability manufacturability and qualification success
Demonstrate compliance with structural requirements through analysis testing and documented margins of safety
Analysis Verification & Risk Reduction
Develop and maintain structural models used to predict spacecraft and subsystem performance
Define structural verification strategies and success criteria aligned with mission requirements
Plan and execute qualification activities including vibration static load modal shock and other environmental test campaigns
Correlate simulation results with physical testing to continuously improve model fidelity and engineering confidence
Support hardware development teams by translating analysis findings into practical design recommendations
Lead root-cause investigations and drive complex technical issues through to resolution
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with systems RF electrical software mechanical manufacturing supply chain AIT and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions
Facilitate technical discussions regarding structural performance design trades risks and recommendations
Coordinate structural activities across stakeholders to ensure successful integration verification and delivery
Engineering Excellence
Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural engineering methods analysis approaches verification practices and development workflows
Act as a peer reviewer mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within project teams
Promote a culture of technical rigor accountability collaboration and continuous learning
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent
4 years of experience developing and verifying structural solutions for complex mechanical aerospace or spacecraft systems
Strong understanding of structural mechanics dynamics vibration shock fatigue failure modes and margins of safety
Experience developing and correlating structural models using simulation and physical testing
Experience assessing designs under static dynamic vibration shock deployment and operational loading environments
Experience defining structural verification approaches and qualification strategies
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity design quality and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices
Experience with NASTRAN-based analysis environments such as Simcenter 3D NX NASTRAN FEMAP MSC NASTRAN or equivalent
Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape Creo SolidWorks NX or equivalent
Strong communication and documentation skills working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Comfortable operating in a hands-on development environment involving prototyping testing troubleshooting and hardware development
Bonus Points:
Experience developing spacecraft satellite aerospace or other mission-critical hardware
Experience assessing and managing structural interfaces between spacecraft platforms and customer payloads
Experience planning and executing environmental qualification testing and correlating results to analytical models
Familiarity with ESA ECSS NASA or equivalent aerospace structural engineering standards
Experience supporting hardware transition from development into production
Experience working with lightweight structures deployable systems mechanisms or precision mechanical assemblies
Eligibility for Professional Engineer (.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction
Salary Range: $100622 - 150622 CAD
Actual total compensation will be determined at the Companys discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors which may include but are not limited to relevant knowledge skills experience performance and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations as it does not reflect our total compensation package.
Job Type: Contingent Upon Program Award
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Salary Range: $100,622 - 150,622 CAD Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training ... View more