Senior Structural Engineer

About Opterus

Opterus Research & Development is an innovative aerospace company based in Loveland, Colorado, specializing in deployable space structures and high-strain composite systems. We combine cutting-edge composite materials, origami-inspired architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high-performance structural systems for commercial, defense, and scientific missions.

Position Overview

Opterus's Senior Structural Engineer will shape system-level architecture while guiding teams in developing robust, scalable design solutions. You'll lead cross-functional collaboration with mechanical, manufacturing, and program management groups to define structural requirements, influence early design decisions, and ensure performance and reliability through rigorous analysis and verification. In addition to driving technical direction, you will mentor engineers and foster growth in structural design, modeling, and integration best practices. Experience with deployable systems such as booms, RF antennas, and solar arrays is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural design for composite, metallic, and hybrid structures used in deployable space systems and precision mechanisms
• Review and approve engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation
• Develop analytical models (FEA and classical methods) to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, dynamics, and environmental performance
• Own structural verification plans, including test definition, instrumentation strategy, and correlation of analytical models to test results
• Guide material selection, laminate design, and structural configuration decisions for high‑performance composite systems
• Support structural sizing, margin assessment, and optimization for mass efficiency
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical standards, best practices, and design methodologies
• Support customer interactions, proposal development, and technical presentations
• Collaborate with manufacturing and test teams to resolve build issues, interpret results, and refine designs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in structural design and analysis, with a strong emphasis on space structures, such as spacecraft primary and secondary structures, deployables, or other high‑performance spaceborne systems
• Proficiency with CAD/PLM environments (SolidWorks)
• Proficiency with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, COMSOL) 
• Strong background in composite structures, laminate theory, and failure analysis
• Demonstrated experience with structural testing and correlation
• Ability to work independently on complex problems and lead technical efforts
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with deployable structures, space mechanisms, or precision aerospace hardware
• Familiarity with nonlinear analysis, dynamics, buckling, or thermal‑structural coupling
• Hands‑on experience with prototype fabrication, composite layup, or test fixture design
• Knowledge of aerospace standards (NASA, DoD, ECSS) and qualification processes
• Experience with people management and a desire to mentor others
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range of $135,000-160,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Flexible and hybrid work schedules (two or more days in office per week)
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
• 401K matching up to 4%
• 9 paid holidays