Structural Analysis Engineer H/F - Infinite Orbits

About the Company

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

"Orbit Guard" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO. Our first, OG-1 was launched on 1 May 2023, the second is launching in 2025 and the third third launching in 2026.

"Endurance" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.


We are looking for a Structural Analysis Engineer to take ownership of structural analysis across both subsystems and full satellite platform level. This role requires deep expertise in Nastran (Femap preferred) and strong experience bridging analysis and physical testing.

You will work in close partnership with the Mechanical Architect to ensure structural performance, mass optimization, and interface consistency across the spacecraft. Your work will directly influence design decisions from early architecture phases through qualification.

Job Description

- Own structural analysis for satellite subsystems (e.g., payload, avionics, propulsion support structures) and the integrated spacecraft platform.
- Collaborate closely with the Mechanical Architect to define load paths, structural concepts, and overall architecture.
- Develop and maintain detailed FEM models using Nastran (Femap preferred) at both component and full-system levels.
- Perform linear and nonlinear analyses: static, modal, random vibration, shock, and coupled loads.
- Define and manage load cases for launch, separation, transportation, and in-orbit environments.
- Ensure load path continuity and interface consistency across subsystems and at spacecraft level.
- Lead structural sizing, margin assessment, and design optimization across multiple levels of integration.
- Define, support, and interpret structural test campaigns:
- Sine and random vibration
- Shocks
- Static load testing
- Correlate FEM results with test data and continuously improve model fidelity.
- Support system-level verification and qualification activities.
- Contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) with clear technical justification.
- Establish best practices for modeling, margins, and correlation within the team.

Requirements

- Master's or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 3-7+ years of experience in structural analysis, ideally in satellite or spacecraft development.
- Strong expertise in Nastran, with Femap as preferred pre/post-processor.
- Proven experience working at both subsystem and full system (platform) level.
- Solid understanding of structural dynamics, load paths, and interface behavior.
- Hands-on experience with test definition, execution support, and correlation.
- Experience taking hardware through full lifecycle (design integration test qualification).
- Knowledge of metallic and composite structures.

Nice to Have

- Experience with small satellite or constellation programs.
- Familiarity with ECSS standards and qualification approaches.
- Experience with deployable structures or payload integration challenges.
- Scripting/automation (Python, MATLAB) for FEM workflows.
- Mentor junior engineers and review subsystem-level analyses.