Nasa Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.

What You'll Do 

As a Structures Engineer II at Inversion, you will own cradle to grave development of primary and secondary structures on one of the most capable reentry vehicles ever developed. You'll drive primary structure design for a novel reentry vehicle working closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex packaging and manufacturability problems while driving designs toward real hardware. 

This is a unique opportunity to own primary structure design of a new aerospace vehicle from initial concept through qualification and production. You will be a key member of the Mechanical team, reporting to the Director of Mechanical. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the design and development of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including load paths, joints, attachments, and structural interfaces 
• Own structural concept development from early architecture through hardware realization, balancing mass efficiency, robustness, manufacturability, and reliability 
• Partner closely with analysis engineers to develop and refine structural sizing approaches, margin strategy, and environmental load assumptions 
• Drive structural integration across vehicle subsystems, including payload, avionics packaging, propulsion interfaces, and deployment/separation systems 
• Support development of TPS-to-structure integration concepts, including attachment approaches, tolerances, and assembly considerations 
• Generate and review CAD, drawings, and product definition needed to release high-quality hardware 
• Support prototype and flight hardware builds through manufacturing coordination, assembly planning, test support, and failure investigation 
• Conduct trade studies and make sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced, ambiguous development environment 
• Present design progress, technical risks, and recommended paths forward in design reviews and cross-functional program forums 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent technical experience 
• Typically 2+ years of professional experience developing hardware for aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applications 
• Strong mechanical design skills with an emphasis on structural interfaces, packaging, high-load environments, and mass optimization 
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX, CATIA, Solidworks, or similar) 
• Familiarity with structural analysis tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, FEMAP, or equivalent) with an emphasis on modal and static structural analysis 
• Proficiency in creating detailed engineering drawings with GD&T and other technical documentation 
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience 
• Demonstrated history of mechanical design ownership from cradle to grave 
• Experience in the design and test of qualified space-flight hardware 
• Experience with large metallic structures for space, aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applications 
• Experience supporting prototype builds and rapid design iteration in a hardware-rich environment 

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $110,000 - $150,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.