Structural Analysis Engineer

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Astrobase is a pioneering spacetech startup founded by prominent Senior ISRO scientists and IIT Bombay alumni with over 20 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and flying advanced Cryogenic Launch Vehicles. Driven by a vision to make India a Space tech powerhouse, we are developing innovative launch vehicles that will transform space exploration. At Astrobase, you’ll be part of a team creating history in the Indian space industry. Our goal is to become the first private space company from India to land on the moon economically.

JOB PURPOSE

As a Structural Analysis Engineer, you will own the structural analysis of our launch vehicle, from early-stage sizing to the loads, stress and margin reports that clear hardware for test and flight. You will work closely with the design, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing and test teams to make sure the vehicle is as light as possible while meeting its strength, stiffness and stability requirements..

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Perform linear and non-linear static, buckling, modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock and transient analyses of launch vehicle structures such as tanks, interstages, skirts, fairings, thrust structures, payload adapters and engine mounts.

•    Develop and maintain finite element models of the vehicle and its subsystems, and carry out mesh-convergence and model-checking exercises.

•    Support coupled loads analysis (CLA) and flight-loads assessments, including lift-off, transonic, max-Q, stage separation and fairing separation load cases.

•    Calculate stresses, factors of safety and margins of safety for metallic and composite structures, joints, fasteners, bonded interfaces and welds, using FEA and hand calculations.

•    Carry out thermo-structural and pressure-stabilised structure analyses for cryogenic and ambient-temperature propellant tanks.

•    Assess fatigue, fracture and damage tolerance for critical components where applicable.

•    Work with the design team on weight optimisation, material selection and design trade studies.

•    Define structural test requirements and support qualification and acceptance tests (static load, modal survey, vibration, proof and burst pressure); correlate test data with analysis and update models.

•    Produce clear, traceable analysis reports and present results at design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR and flight readiness reviews).

•    Automate repetitive pre- and post-processing workflows with Python or MATLAB.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

•    B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Aerospace, Mechanical, Structures or a related discipline.

•    [2–6] years of hands-on experience in structural analysis of aerospace, defence, automotive or heavy-engineering structures. Strong freshers with relevant project or research work may be considered for junior roles.

•    Solid fundamentals in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, vibration theory, stability and failure theories.

•    Proficiency in at least one FEA package such as ANSYS (Mechanical or APDL), MSC Nastran, Abaqus

•    Ability to validate FEA results with hand calculations and engineering judgement.

•    Working knowledge of Python or MATLAB for scripting and data processing.

•    Clear technical writing and communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Experience with launch vehicles, rockets, missiles, satellites, aircraft or other weight-critical structures.

•    Experience in coupled loads analysis, or in dynamic and random vibration environments for flight hardware.

•    Experience with composite structures (CFRP, sandwich panels, filament-wound or grid-stiffened shells) and failure criteria.

•    Experience in buckling of thin-walled shells, knockdown factors and pressure-stabilised tanks.

•    Familiarity with aerospace standards and handbooks such as NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-7001, ECSS, MIL-HDBK-5/MMPDS, or ISRO/DRDO practices.

•    Exposure to structural testing, strain-gauge data and test–analysis correlation.

•    Basic understanding of CFD or aero-thermal loads and how they feed into structural design.

•    Experience with design optimisation (topology, size, shape) and additive-manufactured parts.

QUALITIES WE VALUE

•    Ownership and a bias for action in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.

•    Curiosity, and comfort with questioning assumptions, including your own.

•    A team-first approach and willingness to work across disciplines.

•    Attention to detail, because margins on a launch vehicle are thin and the consequences are real.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Astrobase, we believe in the power of human ingenuity and collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration. As a team member, you’ll be:

•    Creating History: Join us in developing cutting-edge launch vehicles, playing a pivotal role in transforming space access and shaping the future of space exploration.

•    Collaborating with Experts: Work alongside ISRO scientists and industry veterans with decades of experience in designing India’s iconic space missions like Chandrayaan 3

•    Growth Opportunities: As Astrobase scales, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles and be part of an expanding organization driving change in the Indian space sector.

•    Pioneering Space Technology: Your contributions will not only impact Astrobase but also influence the global space ecosystem. Be part of something larger than yourself