Senior Structural Engineer

Position Title: Senior Structural Engineer

Date Reviewed: 09/20/2024

Position Reports To: Mechanical Engineering Manager

FLSA Designation: Exempt

Supervises Others: No

EEO Job Category: Professionals

Home Office Location: Tucson, AZ

Pay Range: DOE

Hybrid/Remote Option: Hybrid

FTE: 1.0

Position Summary

Since its inception in 2004, Geost has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC, and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Chantilly, VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. Geost is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.

Geost is seeking a highly capable Senior Structural Engineer to support the organization with the design, development, analysis, and implementation of structural solutions for various systems, particularly in the space and defense domains. The Senior Structural Engineer will serve as a technical expert and mentor to junior engineers, driving high-level execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure program success.

The ideal candidate will possess and use advanced design techniques, solve complex design challenges, collaborate with teams across the organization, and develop and improve products from initial design stages to full manufacturing operations. Extensive experience performing preliminary and detailed thermal and CFD analysis of space electronic and mechanical components using standardized processes and tools is required. This candidate will possess an extensive background in the space domain and have a high proficiency in 3D CAD tools, CFD, Modal, and FEA structural analysis tools for designing and modeling complex mechanical systems. Expert knowledge in NASTRAN and FEMAP application or related (i.e. NX, PATRAN, ANSYS, and ABAQUS) is required to be successful in this role. Comprehensive knowledge of material standards and their application and usage along with expert knowledge of structural analysis principles, theories, and concepts and their application to opto-mechanical design (with a focus on cryovac understanding) is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform structural design and analysis of complex mechanical and opto-mechanical systems, ensuring integrity and reliability in demanding environments.
• Lead and execute detailed structural analysis using tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, or ABAQUS, with an emphasis on Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Conduct modal and structural analysis, including static, dynamic, and thermal stress assessment, to ensure components meet performance criteria under operational and environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless product development from concept through to production.
• Provide technical leadership in evaluating structural components and systems for space applications, with a strong understanding of cryovac and vacuum conditions.
• Develop and implement structural test plans, including vibration and thermal testing, to validate analysis results and design assumptions.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, material selection criteria, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on analysis techniques, design best practices, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Provide document review and resolve technical engineering and integration issues.
• Manage time and resources to meet assigned deadlines.
• Support on-site work, as necessary.
• Support travel or off-site work, as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.
• An active U.S. Government Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Clearance. Current SSBI is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with mechanical design.
• Extensive experience in structural analysis for space electronic and mechanical components, particularly in the defense and aerospace industries.
• Proficiency in advanced FEA tools (i.e. NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, and ABAQUS) and CAD software for 3D modeling (i.e. SolidWorks or CREO).
• Strong knowledge of structural analysis principles, material standards, and design techniques, with a specific focus on space environments.
• Expertise in Modal, dynamic, and thermal analysis for high-performance systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of structural analysis in cryogenic and vacuum environments (cryovac).
• Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record of addressing complex engineering challenges.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.

Physical Requirements

A qualified candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, absent undue hardship.

• Must be able to constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery for a majority of the shift.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a majority of the shift.
• Must be able to occasionally move materials and/or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment.

Geost reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

• Health benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, pregnancy, and military)
• Potential bonus

Geost is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Geost is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)