Spacecraft Structures Analyst

Muon seeks an experienced Structures and Dynamics Analysis and Test Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate can go deep on design and analysis but also has a “systems mindset” and will be a force multiplier collaborating with other disciplines to arrive at an elegant, well-balanced design. Being an early-stage startup with a small team, breadth is extremely important and we expect this person to dive into structural data, dynamics, thermal design, supplier management and everything else associated with the full lifecycle of an electromechanical product. 

Leadership is also a key attribute we seek for this role. Muon’s team will be growing rapidly over time and there will be opportunities for both direct-management and indirect (tutoring, mentoring). 

This role may be remote or located at our headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Responsibilities

• Full lifecycle ownership of structures from quick-and-dirty early analysis for conceptual design to detailed finite element modeling for static, dynamic (modes) and stress including:
• Linear and nonlinear simulation
• Multibody dynamics and kinematics
• Random analysis
• Dynamic environments definition
• Fatigue analysis
• Coupled loads analysis
• Component mode synthesis
• Model correlation to test data
• Find solutions in line with the risk posture of the company and programs, suggesting alternatives to traditional approaches and specifying the risks associated with those options 
• Make economically sound choices for the company while understanding the path to constellations. Find solutions balancing the need to quickly demonstrate capability with the need to deploy systems at scale (make vs buy trades, etc)
• Create quick concepts and models that can be used to discuss and spur inspiration on the team in early phases of programs.
• Establish engineering standards and tools for others on the team to help instill a culture of rigor and analysis in all aspects of mechanical design
• Define and drive mechanical/structural validation and test approach (establish factors of safety, identify no-test margins, design dynamics and static load tests, pre-test response predictions, coordinate with test venues and direct tests on-site, etc)
• Plan, execute and run post-test analysis and reduction on system-level and component vibration, shock and other mechanical tests

Qualifications

• Extensive experience running detailed finite element analyses for aerospace systems (FEMAP, ANSYS)
• Experience designing and executing structural tests for spacecraft 
• B.S. or higher degree in an …