Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

1d

About The Position

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. It is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Loads & Dynamics Engineer works closely with Starshield responsible engineers and the Falcon dynamics team to inform hardware and mission design decisions and support reliable satellite operation. The role includes dynamic analysis, contributions to in-house code, and hands-on testing, with responsibility for low- and high-frequency loads and vibration during ground transportation, ascent and launch, and on-orbit operation. Strong candidates have hardware intuition and experience with frequency-domain signal processing and analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of professional experience with dynamics.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• Must meet the stated U.S. Government export regulation eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience analyzing data or building hardware.
• Experience with vibration and shock testing.
• Experience with NASTRAN.
• Finite element modeling experience, including use of FEMAP.
• Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including fundamental understanding of strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent hardware intuition and experience with frequency-domain signal processing and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test.
• Execute dynamic testing from start to finish, including pre-test analysis, sensor selection and installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing, and model correlation.
• Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis.
• Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes, and write new code.
• Perform other analyses as required, such as satellite dispense, on-orbit jitter, and fatigue analysis.
• Support critical milestones by working long hours and weekends as necessary.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• May accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level