Senior Structural Engineer - AU

Are you ready to lead structural development efforts that expand the frontiers of space exploration with cutting-edge space robotics? Lunar Outpost Oceania is seeking a talented, experienced Senior Structural Engineer to join our fast-paced, dynamic team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, analysing, and validating structural components essential to the functionality and safety of our spacecraft and associated systems. Your expertise will contribute to groundbreaking projects that expand the frontiers of space exploration, lunar mobility and in-situ resource utilisation.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and analyse structural designs for space and Earth-based systems using advanced FEA modelling and simulation techniques.
• Carry out structural architecture and layout studies, perform sizing analysis and mass optimisation, considering system requirements, assembly and manufacturing.
• Ensure that the structural design meets the project requirements, industry standards, and complies with the structural requirements of the launch service provider including execution of coupled loads analysis, and compliance under their specified environmental conditions.
• Evaluate in the context of thermal environments.
• Lead structural verification campaigns, for shock, sine, modal, and random vibration cases including generating plans, analysing results and correlating FEA models needed for the product’s verification.
• Work together with AIT, Thermal, and Systems engineers to guarantee the survivability of the spacecraft and its components to mission loads, including testing, pre-processing, launch, transit, landing, operations and end-of-life.
• Write clear and concise technical documentation, including analysis reports, test plans and reports, and design documentation.
• Mentor and support the development of junior mechanical engineers.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred), Aerospace, related technical field, or equivalent higher qualification.
• 5+ years of experience in structural analyses. Experience in space products is preferred.
• Experience with 3D CAD structural analysis tools (Siemens NX, Ansys).
• Experience with dynamic testing campaigns (vibe/shock) from conception to product delivery, including execution, planning, data analysis and models correlation.
• Ability to work within project timeline and budget constraints.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to work across teams and disciplines.
• Self-motivated, organised individual with a track record of delivering high-quality work in time-sensitive environments.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the space sector and processes.
• Exposure to relevant standards, such as NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5002, ARC-STD-8070.1, and specific guidelines for testing (NASA-STD-7001, 7002 and 7003, among others).
• Familiarity with thermal analysis and products.
• Experience with Solidworks CAD.
• Experience with topology optimisation tools.
• Experience with materials and components used in the space sector and their driving requirements (e.g. NASA-STD-5020, NASA-STD-6016).
• Mechanical design, AIT and/or manufacturing experience.
• Experience working in a startup environment.

Lunar Outpost Oceania is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, veteran status). We want all employees (including executives and HR) to treat others with respect and professionalism.