Sr Structural Analysis Engineer, Leo Structural Analysis Team

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.

This senior Structural Analysis Engineer will lead the structural analysis and verification of a satellite subsystem or major structural area, with deep expertise in dynamics. They must have a strong background in spacecraft structural development and understand the balance between engineering judgment and analysis rigor, and when each is appropriate. They will be able to contribute from day one, defining the approach when requirements and interfaces are not fully defined, and raising the quality of the team's analysis through the methods, tools, and reviews they put in place.

Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key job responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis and verification of a satellite subsystem or major structural area, from requirements through qualification
• Define requirements, interfaces, analysis approaches, and verification strategies from incomplete or evolving direction
• Lead dynamic analysis and test planning: derive component loads and test levels from launch vehicle and system loads, determine qualification and acceptance margins, and plan random vibration, sine, shock, and acoustic verification
• Own and verify subsystem and system-level FEMs, and correlate models to test data
• Document stress analysis substantiating engineering drawings and documents, and review the analysis of other engineers for rigor and consistency
• Support test execution, analyze results, and close out verification of structural requirements
• Support production and operations through analysis of non-conformances, failure investigations, and improvements, working with MRB and liaison partners on complex dispositions
• Drive configuration development and trade studies with clear decision criteria
• Work with suppliers, manufacturing, test, and systems engineering to align on loads, interfaces, and verification
• Create and improve analysis methods, tools, and processes that reduce repeat issues across the team
• Mentor and develop engineers, and lead technical discussions in internal and external design reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and program gates (PDR/CDR)

A day in the life

This Sr Structural Analysis Engineer will be a technical leader and subject matter expert for their area of the satellite. They will balance hands-on analysis with mentoring and review: building and checking FEMs, completing classical hand calculations, performing dynamic strength analysis, correlating models with test results, and interfacing with design, test, and supplier teams. They will represent Structural Integrity and Analysis in cross-functional forums to align on structural design and verification approaches.

About the team

The Structural Analysis team is responsible for Structural Integrity of not only the spacecraft but all supporting flight and ground support hardware across the program, inside and outside of the Mechanical Engineering group.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field
• 8+ years of experience with aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicle structures, including leading the structural analysis and verification of a subsystem or major structural area
• Proven experience in dynamic structural analysis and testing: modal analysis, random vibration, sine sweep/burst, mechanical shock, and acoustic environments; deriving component loads and test levels from launch vehicle and system loads; and test-analysis correlation and model validation
• Vehicle load path definition, development of free-body diagrams, and strength analysis (metallic and/or composite structures)
• Classical aerospace analytical sizing methods, including analysis of stability-critical structures and bolted joint calculations (preload, joint stiffness, shear-tension interaction, bearing-bypass)
• Finite element analysis codes (Femap, Nastran, Ansys, or Abaqus), including FEM modeling techniques such as boundary conditions, element types, structural idealization, bolted connections, contact, and verification methods
• Experience with system Finite Element Model (FEM) management and integrating subsystem FEMs
• Experience developing analysis tools, processes, and documentation standards that other engineers use
• Documentation of analyses through formal structural analysis reports (stress memos, substantiation reports, verification closure documents)
• Demonstrated ability to define requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches when direction is incomplete or evolving, and to mentor other engineers

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field
• Knowledge of SMC-S-016 (Test Requirements for Launch, Upper-Stage, and Space Vehicles) or equivalent military/commercial test standards, including the philosophy of qualification and acceptance test levels, durations, and margins
• Experience with force limiting and notching for vibration testing
• Experience with static load testing of structures, including test planning, instrumentation, and correlation of results to analysis
• Experience with composite and metallic damage tolerance methods (e.g., fatigue, crack growth, residual strength, no-growth approaches)
• Experience leading supplier or vendor engagements on structural analysis deliverables and FEMs
• Track record of delivering structural analysis packages on aggressive schedules in a high-rate production environment
• Experience with rapid iteration and design-for-manufacturing considerations in structural analysis
• Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume
• CAD experience - Siemens NX or equivalent

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, WA, Redmond - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually