Propulsion Structural Analysis Engineer

PLD Space is an international company whose mission is to transport satellites into space, vertically integrating the engineering, testing, manufacturing, and operations of its reusable and sustainable rockets. Based in Elche and founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, PLD Space has established itself as a global benchmark in the small satellite launch vehicle sector. Its MIURA family of launch vehicles and its LINCE crewed capsule position the company as a leader in European technological sovereignty for space transportation, covering the full range of space missions.

PLD Space has technical facilities covering more than 188,000 m² in Elche, Teruel, French Guiana (Kourou), and Oman (Duqm), enabling it to offer complete satellite launch services and other payloads to space.

Teamwork, courage, determination, and ambition enable PLD Space to guarantee autonomous and reliable access to space for satellites at a globally competitive price. The company is able to offer the best launch services to commercial satellite operators, institutions, and national and international government agencies.

As part of a passionate and highly skilled team, you will be responsible for the structural analysis of the propulsion elements of the launch vehicle.

• Participate in the structural analysis of subsystems and the architecture of liquid-propellant rocket engines powered by turbopumps, as well as the stage feed system, including component sizing, load determination, and detailed analyses.
• Perform complex modeling by creating global finite element models (GFEM) and detailed finite element models (DFEM).
• Perform thermal and mechanical load analyses for engine components (static and dynamic).
• Perform analysis and interpretation of data from propulsion tests and flights.
• Carry out test predictions and test correlations to improve the reliability of FEA models.
• Generate engineering documentation.
• Maintain and improve the program's standard approaches for analyses.
• Collaborate with design engineers from the same department and other engineering departments (structural and stress design, materials and processes, quality, etc.), and provide information to the manufacturing area as needed.
• Conduct ongoing research to optimize analysis solutions.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Complete assigned tasks "on time, with quality, and within budget."

• University degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrable relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant technical experience.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing structures subjected to combined thermal and pressure loads.
• Knowledge of selecting and applying analysis criteria based on load conditions, working environment, etc.
• Fluency in Spanish and English, both written and spoken.
• Previous experience in the aerospace industry as a propulsion or stress analysis engineer (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Familiarity with key manufacturing technologies and capabilities.
• Knowledge of standard aerospace parts and typical lightweight materials, both metallic and non-metallic.
• Availability to travel occasionally as required by the position.
• Self-motivated individual capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines, managing situations with time constraints and multiple simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with finite element analysis software (Ansys and HyperMesh).
• Knowledge of programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, or VBA.
• Experience with space regulations (ECSS, NASA standards).

• Physiotherapy within our facilities
• 50% discount on your health insurance
• You can add your family members to the health insurance at a competitive price.
• Healthy snacks and fresh fruit

• We foster practical learning
• We promote professional development through internal mobility and teamwork

• 23 vacation days + December 24th and 31st off

• Daycare
• Restaurant tickets
• Transportation
• Education

We have five core beliefs that guide how PLD Space is shaping the future of space launch technologies

• Teamwork
• Effort
• Dynamism
• Commitment
• Make it easy

Join us to reinvent the way rockets are built!