# Spacecraft Structural Engineer at Neworbit > Hybrid · United Kingdom · Unspecified · Software engineering · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/ashby%3Aneworbit%3Ae714cf3d-7d0d-4d37-b132-7d14ddf21303 (read 2026-11-11). ## Facts (observed) - Company: [Neworbit](https://alderhq.app/companies/neworbit) - Location text: Reading, UK - Where it can be done from (inferred): Hybrid · United Kingdom (evidence: "Location: Reading, UK") - Posted: 2026-05-14 (181 days ago) - First seen by alder: 2026-11-07 · last verified: 2026-11-07 - Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times - Apply on the employer's site: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/NewOrbit/e714cf3d-7d0d-4d37-b132-7d14ddf21303 ## Pay and sponsorship - Posted pay: not posted - Market band for similar posted roles (United Kingdom, n 166): p25 £48k, median £80k, p75 £128k ## Description (the employer's text) ### Company NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. ### Your Role We are seeking a Structural Engineer to support the design, analysis, testing, and qualification of structures for our VLEO satellite missions. You will work across the full development lifecycle of flight hardware, from early structural modelling and design reviews through environmental testing and validation, helping ensure the reliability and survivability of spacecraft operating in one of the harshest orbital environments. You will work closely with mechanical, thermal, propulsion, systems, and AIT teams to develop structurally robust hardware capable of surviving launch and sustained operations in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit. ### Key Responsibilities Perform structural analysis of flight hardware including spacecraft structures, propulsion subsystems, and mechanical assemblies. This includes static, modal, random vibration, sine, shock, and quasi-static load cases. Develop and validate finite element models (FEM) for spacecraft and high-performance aerospace structures. Perform hand calculations for preliminary analysis in support of FEA. Support structural sizing, stiffness optimisation, and load path analysis for launch and in-orbit environments. Plan and execute vibration, shock, and structural qualification testing test campaigns end-to-end: write the test plan, instrument the hardware, interpret the data, correlate the model, and close out the qualification report. Instrument hardware using accelerometers and strain gauges, and correlate test results back to analytical models. Review engineering drawings and collaborate directly with designers to drive structural design decisions. Support qualification activities against relevant aerospace and space standards including GEVS, ECSS, and NASA requirements. Contribute to structural verification activities across development, integration, and test phases. ### Fundamental Requirements Education: B.S. or M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field. 3+ years of structural analysis experience on flight hardware, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or high-performance structures. Experience with structural analysis of a satellite's primary or secondary structure (i.e., the load-bearing bus/frame, not just a subsystem or payload) is strongly preferred. Experience with structural analysis of spacecraft structures and subsystems, including electronic boxes, propulsion systems, hydraulics, or solar panels. Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM). Hands-on experience with FEM and ability to justify modelling assumptions and approaches. Experience with Altair OptiStruct is a strong plus; proficiency with industry-standard solvers such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Abaqus is required. Familiarity with launch environments including random vibration PSDs, SRS shock spectra, and quasi-static load factors. Practical experience supporting environmental testing, including instrumentation with accelerometers and strain gauges and model correlation activities. Confidence reading and reviewing engineering drawings and working directly with design engineers on structural decisions. ### Nice-to-haves Experience with analysis of composite materials. Experience with material testing, metallic and composites ### Why NewOrbit Space? Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO. --- Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/ashby%3Aneworbit%3Ae714cf3d-7d0d-4d37-b132-7d14ddf21303 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.