The posting
ABOUT OVERVIEW ENERGY
Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared light, without the need for rectennas. We're in the earliest phase, where every structure that survives launch and years in orbit is engineered end-to-end by a small, dedicated team. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Overview Energy's first dedicated Structures Analyst, you'll establish the analysis, verification, and model validation capability that future spacecraft programs will build upon. Every structure Overview Energy puts into orbit has to survive launch and years of thermal cycling. Your analysis is what stands between a design and a satellite that fails silently thousands of kilometers away. Get it right, and solar panels already sitting on the ground start producing power after dark.
Based in our Ashburn, VA, office, you will work alongside the structural, optomechanical, mechanisms and systems engineering teams running simulations, defining test requirements, developing test stands and model validation strategies, running test campaigns, and correlating what your simulation models predicted to what the structure actually did.
What you'll do:
- Build, refine and validate NASTRAN models for spacecraft structures
- Own sine, random vibration, and shock analysis across every subsystem structure headed to orbit
- Define test requirements: load levels, duration, and sensor placement for vibration and TVAC campaigns
- Drive model validation by processing test data and closing the gap between prediction and hardware performance
- Stress test structures under extreme thermal cycling and correlate strain response to model output
- Design test fixtures and stands when that's the fastest path to an answer
- Bring structural dynamics analysis fully in house, replacing work currently sent to outside contractors
You will be successful here if you:
- Reach for a first-principles hand calc before you open Nastran, and you know exactly when each tool earns its place
- Are comfortable being the only structural dynamics expert in the building and standing up that function from scratch
- Have a proven track record developing test rigs and fixtures for space-flight hardware environmental campaigns, specifically vibration, shock, and thermal.
- Think like an analyst but can read and challenge a drawing like a designer
- Want to be in the room for your own vibration and TVAC tests, not reading someone else's data afterward
- Correlate a model to test data because you want the truth, not because a checklist told you to
What we’re looking for from you:
- Bachelor's degree (M.S.+ preferred) in Mechanical, Aerospace or Structural Engineering with 5-10+ years’ experience
- Expertise with Nastran, including structural dynamics analysis: sine vibration, random vibration, and shock
- Demonstrated experience building FEA models of spacecraft structures from scratch
- Experience with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software
- Proven experience defining test requirements and correlating test data to model predictions
We have a strong preference for:
- Space or aerospace hardware program experience, including exposure to environmental test (vibration, TVAC)
- Proficiency in GD&T, DFM/DFA, and design standards for structures that cannot fail.
- Proven track record optimizing satellite architecture for mass efficiency and structural stiffness
Benefits
We take care of our people. In addition to competitive salary and equity, Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks sick leave, parental leave, and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion.
ITAR Requirements
This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [email protected].
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't check every box.
