[Remote] Stress Analyst – Ground Systems & Umbilical Hardware

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Crossfire Consulting is seeking a highly skilled Stress Analyst to join an innovative aerospace organization supporting critical launch infrastructure and ground systems programs. The role involves performing structural, functional, and dynamic analyses to ensure the safety and performance of ground support equipment and umbilical systems for spaceflight operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural, functional, and dynamic analyses to validate the performance of umbilical systems during launch and abort scenarios
• Analyze disconnect timing, clearance requirements, load conditions, and retraction/release mechanism behavior under dynamic operating environments
• Conduct structural and functional evaluations of ground testing equipment, including test fixtures, stands, instrumentation hardware, and leak-check support systems
• Validate launch pad structures, integrated infrastructure, and mechanical systems against operational, thermal, environmental, and launch loads
• Perform structural analysis of transportation and handling tooling, including lifting fixtures, transport frames, handling rings, and rigging hardware
• Evaluate load paths, lifting conditions, rated loads, and safety factors to ensure compliance with applicable standards
• Develop hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) models to support design verification and validation activities
• Generate formal analysis reports supporting design reviews, configuration notice (CN) releases, and engineering approvals
• Collaborate closely with design, drafting, and engineering teams to drive informed structural design decisions
• Ensure all analyses comply with applicable company and NASA MSFC engineering standards

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field
• Proven experience performing structural analysis on aerospace hardware, ground support equipment, or complex mechanical systems
• Strong proficiency with FEA software such as ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, Femap, or equivalent tools
• Experience performing static, dynamic, thermal, and load path analyses
• Knowledge of factors of safety, rated loads, lifting device design, and handling system requirements
• Familiarity with standards such as NASA-STD-8719, ASME BTH-1, or equivalent aerospace lifting and handling requirements
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills
• Experience supporting launch vehicle ground systems, umbilical hardware, or aerospace test equipment
• Familiarity with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) engineering processes and standards
• Experience developing and validating abort and launch load cases
• Previous participation in formal design reviews and configuration-controlled release processes

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