Structural Engineer - Solar Arrays (f/m/d)

About the role

Space hardware must survive launch before it can perform its mission. Your analyses and tests will prove that it can.

As Structural Engineer - Solar Arrays (f/m/d), you will verify the structures and mechanisms that enable Dcubed's solar arrays to survive launch and deploy successfully in orbit. Through a combination of advanced simulation, first-principles engineering, and hands-on testing, you will turn ambitious designs into flight-ready hardware.

If you enjoy understanding the physics behind complex systems, challenging assumptions, and validating your work through testing, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

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• Perform structural analyses of solar arrays, deployable structures, mechanisms, and hold-down and release systems.
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• Develop and validate FEM models for static, dynamic, thermoelastic, buckling, and non-linear analyses.
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• Size composite and metallic structures, bonded joints, bolted interfaces, and inserts, and calculate structural margins of safety.
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• Use analytical calculations and engineering judgement to cross-check simulation results and verify model assumptions.
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• Support the design of lightweight structures and mechanisms capable of surviving launch loads and deploying successfully in orbit.
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• Define and lead structural test campaigns, including vibration, static load, deployment, and thermal testing.
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• Define loads, instrumentation, notching approaches, test predictions, and pass/fail criteria.
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• Participate in test execution, investigate anomalies, correlate models, and support verification closure.
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• Build and test coupons, prototypes, and representative hardware to generate material data and validate analytical models.
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• Prepare structural analyses, test reports, and verification documentation, and support internal and customer reviews.

Candidate Requirements

Experience & Qualifications

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• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
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• 3+ years of experience in structural analysis and testing of aerospace, space, or other high-performance structures.
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• Experience taking hardware from analysis through testing and verification.
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• Experience with composite structures, deployable systems, mechanisms, or spacecraft hardware is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

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• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, vibration, and load-path analysis.
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• Advanced FEM knowledge and strong experience with FEMAP and Nastran NX.
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• Experience with Ansys and LS-Dyna is considered an advantage.
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• Experience performing static, modal, random vibration, transient, buckling, thermoelastic, and non-linear analyses.
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• Experience sizing composite and metallic structures, bolted joints, inserts, and bonded interfaces.
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• Ability to assess structural margins and independently verify simulation results using first-principles calculations.
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• Experience defining and executing structural test campaigns, including instrumentation, notching, and model correlation.
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• Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for engineering calculations and data analysis.
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• Familiarity with ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace structural standards.

Personal Attributes

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Analytical, rigorous, and driven to understand the physics behind the results.

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Strong sense of ownership from analysis through successful test execution.

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Hands-on mindset with a willingness to prototype, instrument, and test hardware.

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Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

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Effective communicator and team player in a multidisciplinary environment.

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Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment.

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Excellent English language skills.

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Eligibility to work in Germany

What we offer

We want you to feel welcome and have the best possible tools for your work here at Dcubed. Therefore, we have selected a set of benefits to support your work days and everyday life, today and longer term.

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Commute: Deutschlandticket

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• Wellbeing: EGYM Wellpass, recovery toolkit
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• ETF-based pension program offering 30-50% company contribution
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• Modern work equipment, based on your role and needs: laptop, phone, headphones, electric desk, wide screens, state-of-the-art workshop equipment
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• Office environment: kitchen and break areas; lunch offering, beverages & snacks at the office; small exercise area, Space Bar
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• Work-life balance & activities: hybrid work arrangements (location and working hours), company events and trips, launch parties
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• Professional development: 70-20-10 thinking, training budget, training library, regular performance reviews
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• Company swag: hoodie, t-shirt, stickers, water bottle, notebook etc.