Structural Engineer Jobs in Fort Collins, CO (NOW HIRING)

About Opterus

Opterus 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, elastic origami architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high-performance structural systems for commercial, defense, and scientific missions.

Position Overview

Opterus' Structural Analysis Engineer II/III will shape system-level architecture while developing robust, scalable analytical solutions. You will collaborate cross-functionally 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 this role, you will work to solve complex technical problems relating to the development of next generation deployable structures leveraging cutting edge composite technologies. Success in this role will require deep understanding of structural theory and advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques. Experience with deployable systems such as booms, RF antennas, and solar arrays is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and analysis of composite, metallic, and hybrid structures for deployable space systems
• Develop, refine, and execute advanced finite element models for spaceflight structures, with emphasis on nonlinear, dynamic, and composite material behavior
• Build and run FEA and classical analysis models to evaluate strength, stiffness, stability, dynamics, and environmental performance
• Develop and manage verifiable pointing/shape error budgets for precision structures accounting for error sources resulting from thermal, dynamic, manufacturing, material and other effects

• Support the design and analysis of mechanical deployment systems

• Assist in developing structural verification plans, and correlation of analysis to test data
• Participate in material selection, laminate design, and structural configuration decisions for composite components
• Help generate load cases for launch, on orbit, and deployment environments.
• Perform structural sizing, margin calculations, and mass efficiency assessments under guidance from senior engineers
• Work with design and test teams to interpret test results and iterate designs.
• Contribute technical content for proposals and participate in customer discussions as needed
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on modeling best practices and standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Structural, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience in structural design and analysis, ideally with exposure to precision spacecraft structures, deployables, or other high performance aerospace systems
• Strong proficiency with structural analysis and design software (Abaqus preferred)
• Proficiency in programming theory for advanced analysis customization (Python, MATLAB, etc.)

• Knowledge of composite structures, laminate theory, and failure analysis.
• Familiarity with nonlinear analysis, dynamics, buckling, or thermal structural coupling

• Ability to work independently on complex problems and contribute to larger technical efforts
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with deployable space structures and space mechanisms, e.g., RF systems, solar arrays, and booms

• Handson experience supporting structural testing and correlating analysis to test data
• Experience with CAD/PLM tools such as SolidWorks

• Experience with Structural-Thermal-Antenna Performance (STAP) analysis for precision RF systems
• Knowledge of aerospace standards (NASA, DoD, ASME, ASTM) and qualification processes
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range of $98,000-145,000 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