Vehicle Structures Engineer II

About the role

You will translate design concepts into flight-ready hardware while partnering across functions to shape rocket production and operations. In this capacity, you will own the translation of high-level requirements into tangible structural solutions that directly enable Terran R missions. You will act as a critical link between analysis, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure that vehicle structures meet rigorous performance standards. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving where you identify risks early and drive them to resolution. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to iterate on designs based on test data and production feedback. Success in this position is measured by your ability to deliver robust structural designs that support rapid iteration and flight readiness. You will communicate technical decisions clearly to both engineering peers and stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define structural load paths and package complex structures and adjacent systems for Terran R.

Conduct structural analysis using hand calculations, Nastran, and ANSYS to validate strength, stability, and fatigue behavior.

Execute hardware test campaigns, integrating test articles, performing tests, and evaluating results to refine flight structures.

Develop tools and fixtures for additive and traditional manufacturing processes.

Create and release drawings in NX/TeamCenter, documenting geometry and decisions for flight and ground components.

Assess loads, dynamics, and structural performance to ensure design integrity.

Optimize designs for additive manufacturing methods while respecting production constraints.

Document work and communicate recommendations when decisions are needed.

Support evaluation and integration of new materials and processes relevant to rocket structures.

Participate in design reviews and interface with suppliers to ensure part quality and traceability.

Apply failure mode analysis techniques to anticipate and mitigate risks in flight hardware.

Collaborate with test engineers to plan, execute, and close out structural verification activities.

Interpret test data to drive design updates and validate analytical models.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of structural design standards and best practices.

Support the resolution of field issues on flight and qualification articles as they arise.

Requirements

Earn a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.

Bring 2+ years of experience in a full cycle design engineering role.

Demonstrate knowledge of structural analysis and test methods, from hand calculations to advanced analysis.

Show understanding of structural strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.

Show understanding of additive and traditional manufacturing processes.

Be able to obtain U.S. citizenship and related security clearances as required by the role.

Commit to working within the constraints and schedules relevant to aerospace production environments.

Adhere to documentation and data management practices required for flight hardware.

Nice to have

Earn 3+ years of aerospace experience and hold an advanced engineering degree.

Have hands-on experience with NX/TeamCenter and data management workflows.

Have hands-on experience using Nastran and ANSYS for analysis and trade studies.

Practical notes

This role may require U.S. citizenship and related security clearances.

Travel may be required within the facility and to support testing.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

The role centers on mechanical design, analysis, and testing for launch vehicle structures.

Common tools include CAD/PLM systems, finite element analysis tools, and additive manufacturing processes.

Success depends on clear communication, cross-team collaboration, and ownership of hardware decisions.

The work supports rapid iteration, manufacturing for additive techniques, and flight readiness.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.