ispace

Structural Design Engineer II

Englewood, Colorado, United States

$101-152k

Full Time

5 hours ago

Back to jobs

Job description

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Structures Design Engineer II with a strong background in space vehicles. This encompasses a full design cycle, including conceptualization, design, analysis, manufacturing and testing for structures. The Structures Design Engineer II will play a critical role in the successful development and deployment of our lunar exploration spacecraft ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of our space missions.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and refine structural designs for space systems, ensuring optimal performance and weight efficiency.
Drive composite design strategies, including material selection, laminate development, and manufacturing process integration.
Create 3D CAD models and drawings using SolidWorks.
Collaborate with analysis, manufacturing, and test engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Work on design iterations, trade studies, and prototyping to push the boundaries of aerospace structures.
Assist in defining structural interfaces, assembly processes, and integration procedures.
Take full ownership of structural components from initial concept development through design, manufacturing, testing, and final integration, ensuring performance and reliability throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards and mission-specific requirements.
Support design reviews and communicate technical solutions effectively within cross-functional teams.
Foster a collaborative and innovative culture, emphasizing excellence and continuous improvement in engineering best practices.
Review and approve technical documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and testing procedures related to structures.
Identify and mitigate risks associated with structural design and material selection.
Lead initiatives to improve engineering processes, tools, and best practices in structures design.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. We will consider a combination of education and related experience.
5–10 years of experience in structural design within the aerospace or space industry.
Strong expertise in composite materials, metallic structures, and design methodologies.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) and PDM systems (e.g. PDM, Windchill, Teamcenter).
Familiarity with manufacturing processes for composites, including lay-up, curing, bonding, and machining.
Understanding of aerospace industry standards (NASA, FAA, DoD, ASME, MIL-STD).
Proficiency in Drawing Creation and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration abilities.
Proficient in documentation practices.
Proven track record in designing and delivering structural components for space vehicles or aerospace applications.

What Makes You Stand Out!

Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience identifying and navigating the challenges of a startup environment.
Experience in lightweight structures and optimization techniques.
Hands-on experience with composite fabrication and testing.
Familiarity with design for additive manufacturing and emerging aerospace materials.
Knowledge of load paths, structural dynamics, fatigue analysis, and failure modes in spacecraft structures. (e.g. FEMAP, Sim center, Hyper mesh).
Familiarity with other spacecraft systems (RF communications, thermal, EPS, mechanisms) and their interaction with structures.

Additional Requirements

Ability to work in a fast-paced design and development environment.
Schedule may vary depending on program development needs; flexibility required.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.

Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.

Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.

Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.

Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 14 paid holidays.

Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.

Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.

Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.

Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly TGIF events to connect and unwind.

We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.

#LI-LH1

At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.  

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.