FEA Analyst II/III
Opterus
- Loveland, CO
- $100,000-140,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $100,000 - $140,000
Location: Based in Loveland, CO
Reports to: Engineering Program Manager, Deployment SystemsAbout Opterus Research and Development:Established in 2018, Opterus is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft components and deployable structures. We are on a mission to transform the aerospace and defense industry by helping our partners accomplish more in space with less. Opterus combines our patented high-strain composites with origami principles to design and manufacture high-performance rollable booms, RF structures, solar arrays, and other next-generation structures and systems. We're looking for a motivated team player to join us in making the future unfold in space.Position Overview:As an FEA Analyst II/III, you will be a key contributor in our analysis group, performing advanced finite element modeling, simulation, and analysis to support the design, development, and flight-qualification of next-generation deployable space structures. This senior-level role requires deep expertise in FEA tools and methodologies, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.Responsibilities:
- Develop, refine, and execute advanced finite element models for aerospace structures, with emphasis on nonlinear, dynamic, and composite material behavior
- Analyze structural performance for a range of load cases to qualify for flight, including thermal, vibration, shock, and deployment dynamics
- Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and test engineers to ensure structural integrity and performance requirements (flight qualification) are met
- Support structural design trade studies, optimization, and material selection
- Validate models through correlation with test data and physical prototypes
- Document and present analysis results to internal design teams, project stakeholders, and external customers
- Apply engineering principles to provide input on design improvements and identify associated risks
- Mentor junior analysts and provide technical guidance on modeling best practices and standards
- Other related duties as assigned
- BS in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace, or related discipline; MS or PhD preferred
- 5+ years of experience performing advanced finite element analysis for aerospace (spaceflight hardware) or similar high-performance structures
- Proficiency with analysis and engineering tools such as Abaqus, NASTRAN, ANSYS, SolidWorks (CAD), Mathematica, and Python
- Strong understanding of composite materials, structural dynamics, GD&T, and nonlinear analysis
- Preferably an understanding of aerospace standards, such as GEVS and NASA-STD 5002, 6016 & 7009A
- Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation)
- Team-oriented with the ability to be a self-starter and work independently
- Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, etc.)
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Salary range of $100,000 - $140,000, based on experience and qualifications
- Flexible and hybrid work schedules: 9/80 or 10/80 schedules, with two or more days in office
- Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D insurances
- 401K matching up to 4%
- 9 paid holidays
- Work within a community-oriented environment at Forge Campus. Amenities include an onsite restaurant, brewery, coffee shop, and multiple shared outdoor spaces