Senior Structural Analyst (Aerospace)

Location: Auckland, New Zealand; office-based role

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space company developing rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems, including the Neutron reusable launch vehicle.

What you will do

• Analyze primary and secondary structures, including composite and metallic components and integrated structural assemblies.
• Build, run, and post-process finite element models for static, dynamic, and thermal load cases.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers on structural concepts, materials, and practical build processes.
• Define structural test plans, monitor testing, and compare test data with analytical predictions.
• Develop and document structural analysis methods and resolve technical challenges.
• Provide technical assistance to junior engineers.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of structural analysis experience in high-performance applications.
• Strong knowledge of composite engineering fundamentals, including mechanics of materials, classical lamination theory, material characterization, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Expertise with one or more structural FEA packages, such as NASTRAN/FEMAP, ANSYS, Abaqus, or OptiStruct/HyperWorks.
• Experience with structural testing of composite components or assemblies and support for composite manufacturing or prototyping.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment; New Zealand office applicants must pass background and nationality checks and be eligible to access ITAR-regulated equipment and data.

Nice to have

• Experience with composite defect and damage tolerance assessments, non-conformance disposition, buckling, or composite joint design.
• Experience selecting sensors and interpreting static and dynamic structural test data.
• Experience with CAD tools such as NX, Fibersim, SolidWorks, or CATIA, with a focus on model defeaturing.
• Experience with PLM software such as Teamcenter or Windchill.
• Hands-on composites manufacturing experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on the Neutron reusable launch vehicle and meaningful space missions.
• Fast-paced environment focused on innovation, teamwork, and practical execution.
• Work with design, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.
• New Zealand employment offers are subject to required background checks.