About the Company A thriving economy in space is needed to make life on Earth more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable. Space technology will enable global access to information, solutions to climate change, answers to global food security, products that transform healthcare, clean energy production, and more. Today, rocket launch options are slow, expensive, and unreliable. Our client is building the world's most efficient fully and rapidly reusable rocket designed to fly daily that will radically increase access to space and open up the space economy to safeguard our precious home, Earth.
This position is based in Kent, WA. More company details will be shared during an initial call. About the Role Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As a structural test engineer, you will own the design, analysis, build, and commissioning of the stands used to test and qualify vehicle structures. This will include requirement definition, site selection, structural design per civil standards, management of project timeline and procurement, and stand activation. You will work very closely with the structural and mechanisms vehicle engineering team and may be tasked with designing other structural and mechanism components for the Nova launch vehicle. You will be expected to fully understand and support your hardware from blank sheet design through stand activation and updates.
Responsibilities Define the structural and mechanical design of the structures test stands. Define the CONOPs for how these stands will be used. Analyze the primary structure test stand and write margin summaries. May involve developing loads or load cases. Procure and manage all hardware for components and structures that you own Work side-by-side with manufacturing & test engineers to build and commission the stand Work side-by-side with vehicle engineers to develop and execute test plans Support other structural and mechanical design and analysis projects on the Nova launch vehicle Track and disposition non-conformances for structural hardware Manage the budget and schedule for the structural components that you own Requirements 3 years minimum experience in a related role Proficient in designing, commissioning, and operating Hydraulic systems Familiar in typical structural instrumentation & control methodologies Exceptional command of fundamentals Demonstrated experience working on one or more development projects through the full lifecycle, from concept through sustained operations, on an aerospace or similar high-performance product Proficiency with CAD software (NX preferred) and analysis software (ANSYS preferred) Ability to determine appropriate level of work for a problem (from hand calcs to multi-physics finite element solutions) and execute the work accordingly Familiarity with launch vehicle design desired (cryogenic propellant familiarity preferred) Familiarity with large structural test stands, their design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations Familiarity with civil structural codes and requirements [PE not required] Ability to lead Ability to follow Excellent written and verbal communication Bachelor's degree in engineering Compensation Level Targets:
Level 2 Range: $100,400 - $150,700 Level 3 Range: $125,600 - $188,300 Level 4 Range: $153,000 - $230,000 Our client's job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and they make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level .
Benefit Highlights Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Equity in a fully funded space startup Working in Seattle, WA – home to a growing space economy and global cuisine, arts, and culture with easy access to the beauty and adventure of the Pacific Northwest! Access to retirement savings plan – 401(k) with employer match Generous paid time off and schedule flexibility plus 10 paid holidays featuring an end of year shut down between Christmas and New Years Employee Assistance Program for mental health, stress management, legal, financial support, travel etc. Paid Parental Leave for birthing and non-birthing parents Dog-friendly environment, free parking, and an onsite gym coming soon! ITAR Requirement Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.
Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job. Learn more about ITAR here .
Equal Opportunity The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.
About AdAstra AdAstra's mission is building thriving teams within elite aerospace organizations.
Our commitment is to curate and close premier talent for our partners, achieved via specialized technical screening, personalized culture assessment, and high-touch candidate engagement. We are motivated to foster boundless team satisfaction and catalyze innovation for future generations, enabling inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars.
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