Opterus Research and Development
Senior Structural Analyst
Opterus Research and Development, Loveland, Colorado, United States, 80538
Overview
About Opterus Research And Development. Established in 2018, Opterus is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable structures. We are on a mission to transform the aerospace and defense industry by helping our partners accomplish more in space with less. Opterus combines our patented high-strain composites with origami principles to design and manufacture high-performance rollable booms, RF structures, solar arrays, and other next-generation structures and systems. We are looking for a motivated team player to join us in making the future unfold in space. Position Overview
As a Senior Structural Analyst, you will be a key contributor in our analysis group, performing advanced finite element modeling, simulation, and analysis to support the design, development, and flight-qualification of next-generation deployable space structures. This senior-level role requires deep expertise in FEA tools and methodologies, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Opterus is motivated to start the right person in this role by November 4, 2025, although we remain flexible and willing to accommodate alternative start dates. Responsibilities
Develop, refine, and execute advanced finite element models for aerospace structures, with emphasis on nonlinear, dynamic, and composite material behavior Analyze structural performance for a range of load cases to qualify for space flight, including thermal, vibration, shock, and deployment dynamics Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and test engineers to ensure structural integrity and performance requirements (flight qualification) are met Support structural design trade studies, optimization, and material selection Validate models through correlation with test data and physical prototypes Document and present analysis results to internal design teams, project stakeholders, and external customers Apply engineering principles to provide input on design improvements and identify associated risks Mentor junior analysts and provide technical guidance on modeling best practices and standards Other related duties as assigned Qualifications
BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline; MS or PhD preferred 6+ years of experience performing advanced finite element analysis for spaceflight hardware or similar high-performance structures Proficiency with analysis and engineering tools such as Abaqus, NASTRAN, ANSYS, SolidWorks (CAD), Mathematica, and Python Strong understanding of composite materials, structural dynamics, GD&T, and nonlinear analysis Preferably an understanding of space flight standards, such as GEVS, Rideshare Payload User's Guide, NASA-STD 5002, 6016 & 7009A Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) Team-oriented with the ability to be a self-starter and work independently Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, etc.) US citizen or permanent resident Compensation And Benefits
Salary range of $120,000 - $160,000, based on experience and qualifications Flexible and hybrid work schedules: 9/80 or 10/80 schedules, with two or more days in office Opterus pays 100% of employees\' premiums and 70% of dependents\' premiums Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances 401K matching up to 4% 9 paid holidays Work within a community-oriented environment at Forge Campus with onsite amenities Opterus Research and Development is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Seniorities
Seniority level: Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing
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About Opterus Research And Development. Established in 2018, Opterus is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable structures. We are on a mission to transform the aerospace and defense industry by helping our partners accomplish more in space with less. Opterus combines our patented high-strain composites with origami principles to design and manufacture high-performance rollable booms, RF structures, solar arrays, and other next-generation structures and systems. We are looking for a motivated team player to join us in making the future unfold in space. Position Overview
As a Senior Structural Analyst, you will be a key contributor in our analysis group, performing advanced finite element modeling, simulation, and analysis to support the design, development, and flight-qualification of next-generation deployable space structures. This senior-level role requires deep expertise in FEA tools and methodologies, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Opterus is motivated to start the right person in this role by November 4, 2025, although we remain flexible and willing to accommodate alternative start dates. Responsibilities
Develop, refine, and execute advanced finite element models for aerospace structures, with emphasis on nonlinear, dynamic, and composite material behavior Analyze structural performance for a range of load cases to qualify for space flight, including thermal, vibration, shock, and deployment dynamics Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and test engineers to ensure structural integrity and performance requirements (flight qualification) are met Support structural design trade studies, optimization, and material selection Validate models through correlation with test data and physical prototypes Document and present analysis results to internal design teams, project stakeholders, and external customers Apply engineering principles to provide input on design improvements and identify associated risks Mentor junior analysts and provide technical guidance on modeling best practices and standards Other related duties as assigned Qualifications
BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline; MS or PhD preferred 6+ years of experience performing advanced finite element analysis for spaceflight hardware or similar high-performance structures Proficiency with analysis and engineering tools such as Abaqus, NASTRAN, ANSYS, SolidWorks (CAD), Mathematica, and Python Strong understanding of composite materials, structural dynamics, GD&T, and nonlinear analysis Preferably an understanding of space flight standards, such as GEVS, Rideshare Payload User's Guide, NASA-STD 5002, 6016 & 7009A Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) Team-oriented with the ability to be a self-starter and work independently Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, etc.) US citizen or permanent resident Compensation And Benefits
Salary range of $120,000 - $160,000, based on experience and qualifications Flexible and hybrid work schedules: 9/80 or 10/80 schedules, with two or more days in office Opterus pays 100% of employees\' premiums and 70% of dependents\' premiums Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances 401K matching up to 4% 9 paid holidays Work within a community-oriented environment at Forge Campus with onsite amenities Opterus Research and Development is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Seniorities
Seniority level: Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing
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