Structural Analyst II

Title: Structural Analyst II

Location: Remote, Office Access potential

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Solid Rocket Motors

About Us: X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge aerospace technology company focused on revolutionizing propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. Our team of innovative engineers and scientists is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion.

Position Summary

X-Bow Systems is looking for a Structural Analyst II to support the analysis and development of ablative nozzles, motor cases, thrust-vector-control hardware, thermal protection components, and other rocket motor components.

The role combines finite element modeling, composite mechanics, thermal-structural analysis, and material-response assessment. The analyst will evaluate structures exposed to pressure, thermal gradients, vibration, acceleration, erosion, ablation, and other demanding operating environments.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain detailed finite element models of ablative nozzles and related propulsion hardware.
• Analyze composite, carbon-carbon, ceramic, elastomeric, phenolic, metallic, and bonded structures.
• Evaluate pressure, thermal, mechanical, vibration, and combined-load conditions.
• Assess stress, strain, deformation, buckling, fracture risk, joint loads, and material margins.
• Structurally model or represent temperature-dependent material properties and thermal gradients.
• Support coupled thermal-structural analyses and interpretation of analysis results
• Evaluate the effects of ablation, recession, erosion, pyrolysis, andblockchanges on structural performance.
• Analyze nozzle inserts, exit cones, insulation systems, liners, case interfaces, joints, and attachment features.
• Develop limit-load, ultimate-load, proof-load, transient, and qualification analysis cases.
• Correlate analytical predictions with component tests, hot-fire testing, subscale testing, and inspection data.
• Support test planning, instrumentation definition, post-test assessment, and anomaly investigations.
• Prepare formal analysis reports, model descriptions, technical reviews, and verification documentation.
• Collaborate with propulsion, thermal, materials, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of professional analysis experience.
• Experience withABAQUSfinite element modeling and structural analysis through professional work, research, and internships.
• Understanding of structuralsolidmechanics, heat transfer, thermomechanics, and material behavior.
• Familiarity with composite or high-temperature materials.
• Basic design for manufacturability
• Strong technical documentation and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ablative nozzles, solid rocket motors, propulsion components,or similar hardware.
• Knowledge of composite laminate modeling, orthotropic materials, anisotropic material behavior, and temperature-dependent properties.
• Experience with hyperelastic (rubber or similar) material modeling.
• Experience with user-defined materials, subroutines, field variables, element activation, material degradation, or evolving geometry.
• Familiarity with nozzle throat inserts, insulation, liners, bonded interfaces, and joint mechanics including thermostructural analyses.
• Experience with thermal-structural coupling, transient analysis, nonlinear contact, or large-deformation analysis.
• Experience correlating finite element predictions with hot-fire, pressure, thermal-vacuum, arc-jet, or other environmental test data.
• Knowledge of model verification and validation, mesh convergence, sensitivity studies, and uncertainty management.
• Experience working in regulated, configuration-controlled, or export-controlled engineering environments. 

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is based on 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.

Thank you for your interest in joining X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc., the space revolution on a solid foundation.