Stress Engineer - Pressure Vessels

About the role

Imagine leading the structural backbone of next generation rocket motors, defining how far, how fast, and how reliably they can perform under extreme pressure and temperature. As the Senior Stress Engineer you´ll lead the sizing and structural analysis of pressure-loaded components for rocket motor applications. This role focuses on metallic and composite pressure structures such as motor cases and pressurized structural components, supporting lightweight, high-performance rocket motor designs operating in extreme thermal and mechanical environments. We´re looking for someone with analytical depth in pressure vessel theory and composite structures, and being comfortable in owning structurally critical designs from early sizing through detailed verification and test correlation.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

• Lead the structural sizing and stress analysis of rocket motor pressure structures, including metallic and composite motor cases and pressure-loaded components.
• Perform analytical and numerical stress analyses (linear, nonlinear, buckling, fatigue, fracture, and damage tolerance) for high-pressure, high-temperature environments.
• Define and manage load cases and environments relevant to rocket motor operation, including internal pressure, thermal gradients, mechanical loads, ignition transients, and dynamic effects.
• Develop and apply analysis methodologies for composite motor structures, including laminate theory, failure criteria, and appropriate knockdown factors.
• Support material selection and structural concepts with focus on mass efficiency, strength, thermal compatibility, and manufacturability.
• Ensure designs meet required safety factors, margins, and internal or applicable aerospace standards for pressure-loaded rocket hardware.
• Support and interpret structural testing (e.g. proof, burst, cyclic or hot-fire–related testing) and correlate analytical predictions with test data.
• Participate in and lead stress reviews, providing clear justification of assumptions, margins, and trade-offs.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, materials, manufacturing, and systems teams to ensure structurally sound and producible rocket motor designs.
• Author and review stress reports, analysis documentation, and verification evidence.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of structural analysis methods and tools.

What You’ll Need

• MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in stress or structural analysis of pressure-loaded aerospace components.
• Experience with rocket motor structures (e.g. motor cases or similar pressure-loaded propulsion hardware) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience with metallic and composite pressure structures.
• Strong proficiency in FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or equivalent) and classical hand calculations.
• Solid understanding of composite materials, laminate theory, and composite failure criteria.
• Experience supporting structural testing and analysis correlation.
• Familiarity with aerospace structural design practices and safety margins for high-energy systems.
• Ability to take technical ownership and work independently on complex structural problems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to clearly present analysis results.
• Fluency in English required; German is a plus.

Who You Are

You think in loads, margins, and failure modes. When others see a metal or composite shell, you see stress paths, buckling risks, thermal gradients, and optimization potential. You are comfortable taking full ownership of pressure loaded structures, from first sizing calculations to detailed analysis and validation in extreme environments. You thrive in a fast paced environment where innovation moves at lightning speed. When others see constraints, you see design space. You take responsibility, move fast with discipline, and hold yourself to the highest standards of technical excellence and integrity.

Why Join Us?

✨ The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
✨ Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
✨ Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
✨ Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

🚀 Destinus – Challenge the limits of time, space, and human potential.