Mechanical Engineer — Structural Dynamics Analyst

Mechanical Engineer — Structural Dynamics Analyst

Lead structural dynamics analyses and validation for LEO spacecraft structures throughout design lifecycle.

Location: Saratoga, California, United States

Compensation: $90,000 - $150,000 per year

As a Mechanical Engineer — Structural Dynamics Analyst, you will be responsible for ensuring the structural integrity and survivability of spacecraft internal components and sensitive sub‑systems. You will lead structural and dynamic analyses across the full launch and flight environment, working closely with design, systems, and test teams.

• Conduct structural and modal analyses to ensure integrity and survivability of spacecraft components across all mission phases.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) using NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Femap to evaluate launch environments (random vibration, sine sweep, shock, acoustic).
• Collaborate with mechanical design teams to optimize mass and stiffness trade‑offs, providing timely analysis feedback for design decisions.
• Develop, maintain, and validate finite element models throughout the design lifecycle.
• Correlate analytical models with structural test campaigns or other verification activities.
• Define and support structural test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing for launch loads.
• Generate and maintain structural analysis reports, load budgets, and margin summaries per project requirements and applicable standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA‑STD).
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and present analysis results to stakeholders.
• Identify structural risks early and propose mitigation strategies.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in structural dynamics analysis, preferably in space or high‑reliability environments.
• Proficiency with NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Femap.
• Working knowledge of launch load environments: random vibration, sine, shock, acoustic.
• Experience developing and running modal analyses and interpreting results in the context of qualification requirements.
• Familiarity with model correlation techniques and test‑analysis correlation methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Hands‑on involvement in structural test campaigns (sine sweep, random vibration, acoustic, modal survey).
• Knowledge of composite structure analysis and failure criteria.
• Experience in concurrent engineering or agile hardware development.
• Knowledge of thermal‑structural interface or multi‑physics simulation.

$90,000 - $150,000 per year. Salary range is based on market data and relevant factors.

Not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates without work authorization for this location.

• Opportunity to make a difference.
• Sustainability focus.
• Fair and honest workplace.
• Innovative thinking encouraged.
• Competitive salaries.
• Continuous learning and development.
• Health and wellness care options.
• Financial solutions for the future.