Structures Engineer II at Inversion Space in Playa Vista, CA

Job description

Advanced Reentry Technologies Who We Are: Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions. The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry. Position Overview As a S tructures 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 develope d . 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 des igns toward real hardware . T his 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 de veloping hardware for aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applications Strong mechanical design skills w ith 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 fi