Job Description

Senior Structural Analyst / Structural Engineer
Busek Co. Inc. – Natick, MA
Busek is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst / Structural Engineer to join our Design & Analysis Team supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems and aerospace hardware. This is one of the most critical engineering needs within the organization as we continue to expand internally and reduce reliance on outsourced structural analysis work.
This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning analyses end-to-end, working closely with hardware teams, and solving complex aerospace structural challenges in a fast-paced R&D environment.
The selected candidate will perform and lead structural analyses for flight and development hardware using finite element methods (FEM). Analyses include modal, random vibration, sine, and shock environments typically encountered in aerospace applications. Most analyses are performed using ANSYS, though strong fundamentals and relevant aerospace structural experience are valued above specific software expertise.
This position works closely with design engineering, systems engineering, and test engineering to support hardware development, qualification testing, requirements verification, and anomaly resolution.
Responsibilities
Structural Analysis & Modeling

Independently perform structural analyses including:
- Modal analysis
- Random vibration analysis
- Sine vibration analysis
- Shock analysis
Develop and evaluate component-level and system-level finite element models (FEMs)
Import and clean CAD geometry for analysis
Define boundary conditions, interfaces, and load cases
Select appropriate element types and modeling approaches
Apply meshing best practices including convergence studies and mesh quality verification
Interpret, validate, and communicate analysis results
Perform classical hand calculations to validate FEM assumptions and results
Analyze aerospace hardware including brackets, fittings, interconnects, and structural subassemblies
Evaluate structural margins, failure modes, and material behavior
Model and assess bolted joints and extract bolt forces from FEM results

Cross-Functional Engineering Support

Collaborate closely with design engineers to reduce structural risk early in the design process
Support test engineering efforts including:
- Accelerometer placement recommendations
- Interpretation of vibration spectra and gRMS profiles
- Correlation of test and analytical data
- Failure investigations and root cause analysis
Work with systems engineering to translate requirements into structural analysis inputs and compliance verification

Technical Communication

Prepare clear and concise technical reports for:
- Internal design reviews
- Customer deliverables
- Qualification and certification documentation
Present assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Technical Leadership

Provide informal mentoring and technical guidance to junior engineers
Contribute to continuous improvement of modeling methods, analysis standards, and engineering processes

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Approximately 6+ years of relevant structural analysis experience
Strong understanding of finite element methods and structural dynamics
Experience performing vibration and shock analyses in aerospace or similar high-reliability environments
Experience developing FEM models and interpreting structural results
Strong understanding of materials, structural behavior, and mechanical failure modes
Ability to work independently and own analyses from start to finish
Strong written and verbal communication skills
U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:
- ANSYS Workbench
- ANSYS Mechanical
- SpaceClaim
- APDL
Familiarity with:
- Steinberg vibration analysis methods
- Thermal analysis
- Aerospace qualification testing
Experience with 1D, 2D, and 3D element modeling techniques
Mechanical design experience or close integration with hardware design teams

Why Join Busek?
Busek develops advanced propulsion and aerospace technologies for commercial, civil, and government space missions. Our hardware supports cutting-edge spacecraft and satellite programs, offering engineers the opportunity to work on highly technical, first-of-a-kind systems in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.

U.S. Citizenship Requirement
Due to the nature of work performed under U.S. government contracts and applicable security and contractual requirements, this position is limited to U.S. citizens.

About Busek - we're hiring!

We are hiring software, design, and propulsion engineers.

We believe ours is a noble cause; to develop and manufacture the best propulsion systems and electronic solutions for spaceflight. We enable new capabilities and missions to the benefit of our customers, our Nation, and Humanity as a whole. We are proud of our people and grateful to the customers who give us a chance to succeed.

Our expertise spans five propulsion technologies including Hall, electrospray, radio frequency ion, pulsed plasma, and green monopropellant thrusters. Our products fit a range of spacecraft from compact cubesats to large geostationary satellites, and everything in between.

If you have a propulsion need, please contact us. If you have a passion for topics such as R&D, quality, propulsion, design, vacuum, electronics, supply chain management, or manufacturing, please join us.

Industry

Aviation & Aerospace

Company Size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Natick, Massachusetts

Year Founded

1985

Website

busek.com

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