Stress Analyst

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.
Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.
Description
Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. Structural analysis is at the heart of making parts, assemblies, and systems last for thousands of uses. As a Structural Analyst at Stoke, you will be responsible for performing comprehensive strength, stability, and lifting analysis of various launch vehicle and engine components. You will work closely with Responsible Engineers (REs) in a truly hardware rich environment to improve the structural integrity of their parts and develop qualification rationale and test plans.
This role presents a unique opportunity to work on aerospace structures across different systems. This role is applicable to analysts who specialize in either launch vehicles or propulsion systems or analysts with (or desiring) broad experience across both. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other roles.
Responsibilities

Build analytical models to assess various failure modes on launch vehicle and/or rocket engine hardware
Document analysis results and structural rationale for components and systems
Review the stress work of others
Develop loads and load cases, communicate them to stakeholders, and implement them in analysis as needed
Identify required structural testing, develop test plans, and participate in validation testing
Identify shortfalls in material databases and develop test plans to gather required data
Develop tools and methods to improve speed and consistency of analysis
Mentor and train other engineers in stress analysis techniques
Plan testing and collect data to validate loads and material allowable assumptions, and use test results to improve analysis models
Other responsibilities as required

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience
3-5 years of experience analyzing launch vehicles, rocket engines, or other transferrable experience
Solid structural mechanics fundamentals including static, fatigue, and fracture
Experience with common commercial FEA solvers such as ANSYS or NASTRAN
Experience with basic scripting or automation tools (Python or MATLAB preferred) for analysis workflow improvement
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Collaborative mindset with ability to both contribute ideas and implement team decisions

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in related technical field
Experience with developing structural test plans and material characterization testing
Experience with both vehicle primary structure and engine components
Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers

Benefits

Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life and disability insurance
401(k) plan with employer match
4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
Paid Family/Parental Leave
On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
Dog friendly offices!

Compensation
Target Levels:

Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470
Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.
Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.
Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.
Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.
E-Verify
Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.