Structural Engineer

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

We are looking to hire a Structural Engineer to join our Thermo-Mechanical team. You will be responsible for the structural development and verification of our platform and its subsystems to enable the development of new materials and processes at the forefront of in-space manufacturing.

What will you do?

• Contribute to the structural modelling of our mechanical systems, subsystems and components for integration into our satellites;
• Verify the structural design and vibration performance of subsystems from concept to vibration testing;
• Focus on developing structures and mechanisms for our payload and verify their vibration performance.
• Support the configuration team in the design and configuration of Space Forge’s mechanical systems;
• Assist and lead testing campaigns to verify our technologies.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct finite element model (FEM) analyses of the ForgeStar system and constituent subsystems.
• Development of a subsystem’s structural designs and mechanisms, from concept phase to design validation and qualification.
• Support system and subsystem vibration testing and validate simulation results using test data.
• Create models and conduct testing in accordance with relevant industry standards.
• Review other simulation engineers’ calculations and structural FEMs.
• Engage with internal and external system providers to ensure compatibility with the whole system.
• Document analysis results and test procedures and results for internal and external customers.
• Assist with monitoring the performance of hardware on test days and during space missions.

A Typical Day

• Creating mechanical and thermo-mechanical models of our satellite structure for launch and re-entry cases.
• Performing vibration analysis of our satellite and its subsystems.
• Reviewing concepts and design options with configuration and manufacturing engineers.
• Working closely with the engineering team and subsystem teams to solve problems and refine baselines.

Requirements

Technical skills:

Essential -

• Experience of complete lifecycle design, structural FEM analysis, and test of hardware exposed to challenging vibration environments.
• Ability to work with industry-standard finite element analysis tools.
• Proficiency in technical report preparation.

Desirable -

• Knowledge of structural design, vibration and modal analysis, and requirements and constraints of Low Earth Orbit Satellites.
• Familiarity with Siemens Simcenter 3D.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards.
• Python scripting and parametric modelling experience.

Soft skills:

• Able to communicate with teams working both in and out of the office;
• Able to communicate professionally with customers and external stakeholders;
• Resilient and adaptable to technical and non-technical roadblocks, as many are expected

Benefits

Salary range: £35,000 - £46,000 per annum, depending on knowledge, experience and skills

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off the planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs. 

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us. 

• Flexitime hours - 40 to be worked across Monday-Sunday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• We’re changing the way humanity builds, we think that’s exciting, and we want you to be excited about it too. That’s why we have an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) so you can own part of our journey
• You’re the master of your own destiny. We offer every person at Space Forge a £1500 annual learning budget  so you can choose the training or experiences to help you grow
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

The closing date for this role will be Friday 3rd May 2024 however applications will be considered on a live basis.