About us:
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do:
Viasat is seeking a Mechanical Engineer & Structural Analyst to join our Commercial Space Systems engineering team. In this role, you will perform advanced structural analysis of spacecraft structures, payload components, mechanisms, and composites using aerospace industry best practices. You will serve as a technical resource in finite element modeling, stress analysis, and structural verification, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure our space products meet all mission, environmental, and reliability requirements.
This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex structural problems and brings experience in FEA for aerospace hardware. The position also involves design and packaging of electronics for space.
The day-to-day:
- Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, payload components, mechanisms, electronics packaging, and precision structures.
- Develop conceptual structural models to support proposals and trade studies
- Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs), including linear static, nonlinear, modal, dynamic, buckling, random vibration, and thermal‑structural coupled analyses
- Perform classical hand calculations to supplement FEA results
- Produce detailed stress reports and slide packages to support design reviews
- Develop structural requirements for systems based on mission specifications; develop lower tier requirements for components based on coupled analysis
- Evaluate structural impacts of design changes, materials, manufacturing processes, and interfaces
- Support structural analysis efforts across program phases: concept development, preliminary design, critical design, build, test, and launch
- Support structural testing activities, including test plan development, test‑article design, correlation of FEMs, and verification of requirements
- Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, materials engineers, and thermal analysts to optimize structural performance
- Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards, including NASA, AIAA, and military standards
- Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers.
- To supplement the structural analysis work, you will also design electronics packaging for space. This includes CAD modeling, drawing creation, thermal and structural analysis, and build and test support.
What you'll need:
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of relevant structural analysis experience developing spaceflight hardware
- Experience with requirements for packaging electronics for a space environment.
- Design experience creating 3D parts and assemblies using SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar tools.
- Working knowledge of standard engineering materials, processes, and parts used in spaceflight products (metallics, polymers, composites, fasteners, rivets)
- Demonstrated experience applying NASA standards, AIAA specifications, and MIL standards to structural design, testing, and qualification
- Ability to generate high‑quality analysis documentation
- Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally in a multidisciplinary team
- US Citizenship required
- Ability to travel up to 10%
What will help you on the job:
- Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Understanding of aerospace structural analysis and test methodologies, including:
- Static analysis and test
- Normal modes and linear dynamics
- Random vibration and shock response analysis and test
- Fatigue and fracture-mechanics
- Nonlinear finite element analysis
- Composite materials and classical laminate theory
- Mechanism analysis
- Thermoelastic analysis
- Launch vehicle environments and coupled loads analysis
- Semi-empirical methods (Bruhn, ERNO)
- Bonded and bolted joint analysis
- Modal testing and model correlation experience
- Experience with LS-DYNA or other explicit tools
- Vibroacoustic analysis
- Coding experience using Python, MATLAB
- Experience with procedures for handling space flight hardware.
- Experience with creating assembly drawings and work instructions.
- Experience with EPDM software
- Experience with RF component layout
Salary range:
$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / annually.
For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ annually
:
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO statement:
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.