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Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Onsite
About Perseus Materials
Perseus Materials is a hard tech composites startup developing next-generation processing equipment and structures for advanced materials manufacturing. We work at the intersection of materials science, structural engineering, and precision fabrication to build things that don't exist yet. Our work is defense-adjacent, technically demanding, and moves fast.
We are a small team where everyone contributes directly to the product. There is real ownership, real technical challenge, and no shortage of hard problems to solve.
What You'll Do
You will be the structural engineering lead for composite structures and processing equipment at Perseus. That means taking a concept from napkin sketch to validated design — running hand calculations, building FEA models, selecting materials, defining layup schedules, and working directly with fabricators to make sure what gets built matches what was designed. Requirements will often be ambiguous. You will be expected to make sound engineering judgments, document your reasoning, and iterate quickly.
Responsibilities
Lead structural design and analysis of composite structures and processing equipment from concept through qualification
Perform first-principles hand calculations for stress, deflection, buckling, fatigue, and joint analysis — independent of simulation tools
Develop and execute FEA models to validate designs, identify failure modes, and guide structural optimization
Define composite laminate schedules, fiber orientations, and material systems based on structural requirements and manufacturing constraints
Collaborate with fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and that layup, cure, and tooling requirements are clearly specified
Select and justify materials — fiber, matrix, core, adhesives — based on mechanical, thermal, and environmental requirements
Develop and support structural test plans; correlate test results to analytical predictions and close out discrepancies
Maintain clear design documentation: assumptions, load cases, analysis reports, and drawing callouts
Contribute to DFM (design for manufacturability) reviews and support continuous improvement of fabrication processes
Preferred Qualifications
2+ Years Experience in a commercial composites manufacturing environment
Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience
Hands-on experience with composite structures in an applied context — aerospace, marine, wind energy, motorsport, or similar
Strong foundation in classical lamination theory, anisotropic material behavior, and composite failure criteria (Tsai-Wu, Hashin, max strain, etc.)
Proficiency with FEA software (Abaqus, Ansys, Nastran, or equivalent) for linear, nonlinear, and buckling analyses
Demonstrated ability to perform and defend structural hand calculations without relying on simulation as a first resort
Familiarity with composite fabrication methods: wet layup, prepreg, vacuum infusion, autoclave, out-of-autoclave, filament winding
Experience interpreting and generating engineering drawings with appropriate GD&T and composite-specific callouts
Exposure to structural testing methods: coupon, element, and full-scale; familiar with DIC, strain gauging, or load frame testing
Working knowledge of relevant standards and specifications (ASTM, MIL-HDBK-17 / CMH-17, DNV, or similar)
Experience in a regulated or compliance-driven engineering environment is a plus
You'll Thrive Here If
You have built something structural out of composite materials — a boat hull, a wing, a pressure vessel, a race car tub — and you know what it actually takes to get there
You are comfortable reaching for a whiteboard and a free body diagram before opening a simulation tool
You have caught a fabrication error because you understood the process well enough to recognize it
You can work from a rough performance requirement and fill in the engineering yourself
You are energized by ambiguous, novel problems and find excessive process more frustrating than helpful
Location & Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site role. Perseus operates in a hands-on lab and fabrication environment — you will be working alongside parts, tooling, and test hardware regularly. Remote work is not available for this position.
