Structural Analyst II

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.

• → 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.

• 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.

• 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.