Structural Dynamics Engineer

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared (NIR) light. Were in the earliest phase where every structure we launch is analyzed tested and proven end-to-end by a small dedicated team. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington DC area and backed by world-class investors we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

Were hiring a Structural Dynamics Engineer to build Overview Energys structural analysis verification and model validation capability from scratch. Youll bring structural dynamics fully in-house replacing work we currently send to outside contractors.

Every structure we put into orbit has to survive launch and years of thermal cycling. Your analysis is what stands between a design and a satellite that fails silently nearly 36000 km away. Get it right and solar farms already on the ground keep producing power after dark.

Working daily in our Ashburn VA office youll work alongside our structural optics mechanisms and systems engineering teams. Youll run the simulations define the tests build the fixtures and command the room when the shaker table turns on. Along the way youll build the tools procedures and test capability this practice runs on for years to come.

• Build Nastran models from scratch for the primary structure deployables and the structure holding our optics

• Own loads and margins of safety for every flight structure from launch vibration and shock to bolted joints

• Deliver Craig-Bampton models to launch providers and interpret the coupled loads results that come back

• Define static and dynamic test requirements: levels durations notching sensor placement and pass criteria

• Design and survey test fixtures run test campaigns in person and process the data yourself

• Correlate every model to test data and recommend design changes before hardware is released

• Predict how thermal cycling stresses our structures and correlate it to strain data from thermal tests

• Supply thermal distortion results to the optics team for Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis

• Write the analysis standards and validation procedures the next analyst inherits

• A bachelors degree in Mechanical Aerospace or Structural Engineering

• 5-10 years of structural analysis experience on flight hardware: spacecraft launch vehicles or aircraft

• Hands-on experience across the full analysis cycle on multiple flight structures: build the model define the test correlate and recommend the fix

• Expertise in Nastran (or extensive ANSYS) structural dynamics including sine random and shock plus static stress and bolted joint analysis

• Experience delivering Craig-Bampton models to a launch provider and interpreting coupled loads results

• Experience defining static and dynamic test requirements and designing the fixtures to run them

• Hands-on Siemens NX experience from preparing geometry for analysis to modeling test fixtures

• A M.S. or higher in Mechanical Aerospace or Structural Engineering

• Spaceflight program experience including vibration and shock qualification testing

• Experience delivering Craig-Bampton models to a launch provider and interpreting coupled loads results

• Experience with jitter micro-vibration or smear analysis for pointing-sensitive optics

• Experience standing up an analysis function bringing contractor work in-house

• Experience with thermal distortion or STOP analysis on optical systems

• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for Nastran post-processing and test data reduction

• Familiarity with GEVS NASA-STD-5001 SMC-S-016 or launch-provider structural requirements

The salary range for this position is $120000 - $170000 commensurate with experience. Individuals with demonstrated exceptional ability may be considered at a different level of seniority and pay.

We take care of our addition to competitive salary and equity Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical dental vision disability and life insurance coverage a health and wellness stipend 4 weeks paid time off 2 weeks sick leave parental leave and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Companys discretion.

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident 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.

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit competence and qualifications without regard to race color religion gender national origin ethnicity veteran status disability age sexual orientation gender identity marital status or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process please contact us at

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification. If you believe you can succeed in this role we encourage you to apply - even if you dont check every box.

Required Experience:

IC