Senior Structures Engineer

Space is the infrastructure layer for humanity’s next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires orbital logistics that is as accessible and reliable as commercial aviation. At Lux Aeterna, we’re building that future by developing the first fully reusable satellite platform built for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment, transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce

We are seeking an exceptional Structures Engineer to own the primary and secondary structures of Lux Aeterna’s spacecraft. As small team, we don’t have distinct design and analysis groups. This role is a mix between design, analysis, and build. You will be responsible for delivering lightweight structures for reusable satellites to provide high cadence, high reliability space operations. You'll be working at the forefront of aerospace technology, solving complex challenges that have profound implications for the future of commercial spaceflight. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Be responsible for a novel spacecraft structure from cradle to grave

• Create high performance metallic and composite structures designed to be flown multiple times

• Support the first of its kind refurbishment and reflight of satellite hardware

• Work directly with technical leadership to shape the future of space transportation

• Join a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challenges

• Pioneering Technology: We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way highway

• Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure

• Speed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards

• World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

You'll lead the structural design, analysis and execution of our vehicles structures, including:

• Design and analysis of lightweight metallic and composite structures.

• Managing interfaces for components and payloads between multiple stakeholders and owning vehicle layout

• Supporting full vehicle analysis including required FEM deliverables for the launch provider

• Supporting integration and test with work instructions and GSE design

• Determining test requirements and designing test equipment for QTP and ATP.

• Driving trade studies across complex variable sets to optimize for performance, cost, and manufacturability

• Collaborating with external partners including vendors, customers, and government stakeholders

• BS in Mechanical or Structural Engineering

• 8+ years of aerospace engineering experience, focused on spacecraft systems, launch systems, or hypersonic reentry systems with system-level hardware ownership

• Hands on experience with hardware assembly, integration, and test

• Proven track record leading technical projects from concept through flight on aggressive timelines

• Deep understanding of mechanical first principles and structural analysis methods

• Expert in FEA for static, dynamic, and transient analysis (FEMAP or ANSYS)

• Strong understanding of GD&T following ASME Y14.5

• Strong design and integration skills using 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferable)

• Strong background in materials selection and manufacturing methods for aerospace applications

• Demonstrated ability to excel in dynamic, high-stakes engineering environments

• MS in Mechanical or Structural Engineering

• Experience with design and analysis of hot structures

• Experience with design and analysis for fatigue

• Experience with design, analysis, and manufacturing of composites

• Experience with SMC-S-016 and/or NASA General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS)

• Early-stage startup experience

We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it.