Senior Structural Analysis Engineer

Astroscale UK are seeking an experienced and motivated Stress Analysis Engineer with a strong background in space, aerospace or other technical industries, to work at our state-of-the-art facility based in Harwell, UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly, welcoming and skilled team within our dynamic and rapidly growing company. As a member of the analysis team, you will take the lead on structural analysis, aspects of project work, and support design activities.

You will provide technical expertise to the project teams, helping to define and drive the design, development, testing and operations of the spacecraft for our missions, whilst collaborating across all functions within the engineering teams, and with suppliers across the world.

In this role you will be making a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers mankind’s use of space as an asset. 

Responsibilities 

 

• Perform stress and structural analysis at spacecraft, sub-system, and equipment level
• Assess analysis and test data to support the qualification of spacecraft and ground support structures
• Justify the structural integrity of prototype and flight components at all stages of the load cycle
• Prepare test predictions to support static and dynamic testing
• Communicate design recommendations to the Design Team and other subsystems
• Effective stakeholder management and communication
• Prepare, review, and present analysis work and conclusions
• Ensure analysis is fully documented and generated files and conclusions are organised, trackable, traceable, and repeatable
• Peer-review the analysis work of other team members
• Deliver work to the expected standard, within agreed timeframes, to support the progress of Astroscale’s missions

Essential Skills

• 3 to 5 years of stress and structural analysis experience in the space industry
• Perform structural calculations on metallics, sandwich panels, inserts, and bolted joints, according to established standards and handbooks
• Create, check, and maintain Finite Element Models at spacecraft and component level
• Perform static analysis
• Perform frequency response, random vibration, and shock analysis
• Demonstrable experience using an FEA software package, such as: NASTRAN, Hyperworks, Femap, Abaqus, or Ansys
• Post-processing of large amounts of data using automated processes such as VBA or Python
• Produce documentation and presentations to convey the analysis process and conclusions
• Present and justify analysis to peers and stakeholders
• Demonstrates behaviours in line with Astroscale values (mission and people focused, transparent, innovative and pioneering, diverse and customer focused)

Desirable skills

• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks and PDM
• Familiar with ECSS and NASA guidance, standards, and handbooks, and use of the same
• Understanding of the product development cycle, specific to spacecraft
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to set own objectives
• Demonstrable ability to apply sound engineering judgement and provide expert guidance on structural matters
• Demonstrable experience of accountability for project deliverables
• Effective communicator

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Relocation allowance
• Visa sponsorship for employees considered
• New state of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events 

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell), with potential for some travel

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.