Sr. Structures Engineer

About the role

Senior Structures Engineer, Propulsion

Venus Aerospace operates at the forefront of aerospace propulsion innovation. Our mission involves developing a new class of vehicles powered by Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines and Venus Detonation Ramjets. These technologies represent a generational leap, delivering unprecedented efficiency and performance for space launch, defense, and high-speed commercial flight. The work is intensely challenging, requiring brilliant engineers dedicated to redefining the boundaries of aerospace possibility. This specific role is critical to translating that vision into robust, flight-ready hardware.

This is a Senior Structures Engineer position focused on the foundational integrity of our next-generation vehicles. You will operate in a high-growth, dynamic startup environment where flexibility and intellectual curiosity are essential. Your primary responsibility is to lead the structural development of vehicles from a clean-sheet concept through to mature hardware. This role demands not only deep technical expertise but also strong leadership and communication skills. You will shape the internal standards and tools that define our engineering culture. Success in this position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments. The position is based in Houston, Texas, and may involve travel to support testing, vendor interactions, or operational activities.

Key Responsibilities

You will establish the intake criteria for vehicle requirements and translate them into quantifiable structural targets and design constraints. This initial phase sets the foundation for all subsequent engineering work. Designing analysis models for our Rotating Detonation Engines and Detonation Ramjets will be a core function, ensuring all designs satisfy strict safety and performance factors. You will coordinate closely with propulsion and integration teams to ensure structural solutions directly support mission objectives and vehicle architecture.

A significant part of your role involves creating verification and validation routines. These processes will confirm that our simulation models accurately predict real-world test data and define the boundaries of their applicability. You will define the structural development processes that guide vehicle progression from initial concept stages through detailed design and into hardware fabrication. This includes leading design reviews to mentor junior engineers and ensure structural standards remain consistent and high across all projects.

Managing interface checks between structures, thermal systems, and control systems during detailed design is another critical duty. You will prepare clear documentation for vendors and operations teams, explaining load paths, failure modes, and structural rationale. Leading trade studies to optimize mass and performance while respecting strict schedule and testing constraints is a regular activity. You will also update internal engineering standards and best practices to reflect lessons learned from ongoing vehicle development efforts.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related technical field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in aerospace structures is required. Proficiency with structural and analysis software is a non-negotiable requirement for this position. You must possess a deep understanding of testing methods and how to apply the resulting data to validate designs. Most importantly, you must have direct, hands-on experience with rotating detonation engines, as this knowledge is mandatory for success in this role. You must be able to work on-site in Houston, Texas.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, direct experience with detonation ramjets is highly preferred and will be considered a significant advantage. A portfolio demonstrating your work on complex aerospace structures will strengthen your application.

Compensation and Location

This role offers a competitive annual compensation package of $170,000. The position is based in Houston, Texas, requiring on-site presence.

Skills and Tools

Your expertise will be centered on CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEM), analysis software, scripting for automation, and testing methodologies. These tools are essential for executing the responsibilities of this role effectively.

Practical Notes

We encourage you to confirm all details regarding the role and expectations on the official application page. The information provided here serves as a high-level overview of this unique opportunity at Venus Aerospace.