About the role
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.