Job Description

Principal Structural Analyst

Seattle, WA – Relocation Assistance Provided

The Company

Our client is developing next-generation nuclear battery technology designed to deliver reliable, long-duration power in extreme and remote environments. Their systems harness radioisotope heat to support critical missions across space, ocean, and terrestrial applications. As they work toward bringing this technology to market by 2027, our client is looking for mission-driven, innovative professionals who are excited to operate in a fast-moving startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact on enabling critical commercial and national security missions from the depths of the ocean, to the surface of the moon, and in some of the most challenging environments here on Earth.

The Job

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Senior/Principal Structural Analyst to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This role will be reporting to the Analysis Manager.

Functions

• Perform detailed mechanical and structural analyses of Radioisotope Power System (RPS) structures, subsystems, and components across all program phases—from early concept and prototype to qualification and flight hardware.
• Evaluate mechanical performance against structural limits, regulatory requirements, and applicable design and pressure vessel codes (ASME BPVC, AWS D1.1, etc.).
• Apply NASA structural design and verification standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5012, NASA-HDBK-7004, NASA-STD-7009) to ensure compliance with flight-class structural integrity, safety factors, and analysis documentation practices.
• Assess component margins and performance under mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments using static, model, vibration, and explicit dynamic analyses.
• Document findings and provide guidance through clear, traceable analysis reports that conform with the company’s technical writing standards.
• Develop test requirements and plans to validate analytical results; correlate test data to analytical models and update predictions as required.
• Provide oversight and mentorship to internal analysts, review vendor and partner analysis deliverables for technical accuracy, compliance, and quality consistency.
• Provide input and guidance to mechanical design teams to inform component sizing, subsystem configuration, and material selection.
• Collaborate closely with systems, materials, and test engineers to ensure robust, manufacturable, and testable hardware designs.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university (M.S. preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in structural analysis including steady state, random vibration, and thermal environments for aerospace or nuclear systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency and deep understanding of FEA tools (ANSYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus, Nastran, or LS-DYNA a plus).
• Strong background in dynamic structural analysis, including random vibration, sine sweep, shock, and transient response.
• Experience with impact, re-entry, or launch environment analyses is a plus.
• Working knowledge of NASA standards and verification processes (NASA-STD-5001B, NASA-STD-5012, NASA-HDBK-7005, NASA-STD-7009) highly desired.
• Familiarity with fracture mechanics, fatigue life estimation, and damage tolerance principles.
• Experience generating stress reports and component margins justifications consistent with NASA or aerospace prime contractor standards.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) for model-based definition and analysis.
• Experience working under structured quality systems (NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar).
• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to present results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-starter capable of leading analysis efforts with minimal supervision, thriving in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; able to work independently or as part of a cross-functional team.

Additional Requirements

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: Travel is required <10%
• Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

Export Controls

Applicants for employment at the company must be a U.S. person. The term “U.S. Person” means (i) a U.S citizen or U.S. national; or (ii) any natural person who is a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., holds a Green Card), as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or as a “protected individual” defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., admitted as a refugee or is granted asylum).