Spacecraft Structures Analyst
US$182,000 – US$204,000 / yr base salary
Posted 8 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Spacecraft Structures Analyst (Opto-Mechanical Focus)”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 8+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- Hybrid
| Base salary | US$182,000 – US$204,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyEngineering
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyAerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Study levelBachelor's or higher
About the role
Muon seeks an experienced and passionate spacecraft structural analyst to join our team. The ideal candidate has unwavering attention to detail and a total ownership mindset to help the team develop robust hardware which meets requirements on time. Being an early-stage startup with a small team, breadth is extremely important and we expect this person to go far beyond running finite element analyses. Ability to dive into structural test data, dynamics, inform risk vs. cost decisions, supplier interaction and everything else associated with the full lifecycle of a spacecraft and optical payload development is critical.
Leadership is also a key attribute we seek for this role. Muon’s team will be growing rapidly over time and there will be opportunities for both direct-management and indirect (tutoring, mentoring).
This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.
Responsibilities
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Full lifecycle ownership of structures from quick-and-dirty early analysis for conceptual design to detailed finite element modeling to test support:
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Linear and nonlinear static analysis
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Modal, frequency, and random response analyses
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Dynamic environments definition
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Model correlation to test data
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Root causes analysis
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Coupled loads analysis
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Scoping test plans and writing test reports
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Find solutions in line with the risk posture of the company and programs, suggesting alternatives to traditional approaches and specifying the risks associated with those options
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Make economically sound choices for the company while understanding the path to constellations. Find solutions balancing the need to quickly demonstrate capability with the need to deploy systems at scale (make vs buy trades, etc)
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Create quick concepts and models that can be used to discuss and spur inspiration on the team in early phases of programs.
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Establish engineering standards and tools for others on the team to help instill a culture of rigor and analysis in all aspects of mechanical design
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Define and drive mechanical/structural validation and test approach (establish factors of safety, identify no-test margins, design dynamics and static load tests, pre-test response predictions, coordinate with test venues and direct tests on-site, etc)