Structural Analyst

About Us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What You'll Do
Perform detailed structural analysis of spacecraft primary and secondary structures, payload components, mechanisms, ground support equipment, and electronic packaging using finite element analysis and hand calculations
Develop conceptual structural models to support proposals and trade studies
Produce stress reports and slide packages to support design reviews
Evaluate structural impacts of design changes, materials, manufacturing processes, and interfaces
Support structural testing activities, including test plan development, fixture design, correlation of FEMs, and verification of requirements
Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, materials engineers, and thermal analysts to optimize hardware performance
Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards, including NASA, AIAA, and military standards
Communicate analysis results clearly to program teams, leadership, and external customers
The day-to-day
In this role, you will perform structural analysis of spacecraft structures, payload components, mechanisms, electronic packaging, and composites using aerospace industry best practices. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure our space products meet all mission, environmental, and reliability requirements.
This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex structural problems and brings experience in FEA for aerospace hardware.
What You'll Need
Required Qualifications
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
4+ years of relevant experience in structural analysis of spaceflight hardware
Proficiency with Nastran (MSC or Simcenter): static, normal modes, buckling, frequency response
Proficiency with Simcenter Femap modeling and post‑processing
Working knowledge of standard aerospace engineering materials, processes, and parts (metallics, polymers, composites, fasteners)
Working knowledge of aerospace structural analysis and test methodologies, including:
Static analysis and test
Normal modes and linear dynamics
Random vibration and shock response analysis and test
Fatigue and fracture-mechanics
Composite materials and classical laminate theory
Mechanism analysis
Thermoelastic analysis
Launch vehicle environments
Semi-empirical methods (Bruhn, ECSS)
Bonded and bolted joint analysis
Working knowledge of electronic packaging structural analysis, including:
Printed wiring assembly (PWA) structural analysis
Solder joint fatigue, including Steinberg random vibration fatigue methods
Connector and interconnect reliability
Thermal-mechanical coupled analysis of electronic assemblies
Demonstrated experience applying NASA, AIAA, ECSS, and MIL standards to structural design, testing, and qualification
Ability to generate high‑quality analysis documentation
Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles
Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally in a multidisciplinary team
U.S. citizen, with ability to obtain a Secret-level security clearance
What Will Help You On The Job
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Experience with LS-DYNA, ANSYS, or Abaqus
Nonlinear and thermal‑structural coupled analyses
Vibroacoustic analysis
Coding experience using Python, MATLAB
Salary range
$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Work arrangement
Yes