Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

4h•$100,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. In this role, you will work closely with Starshield responsible engineers and the Falcon dynamics team to drive hardware and mission design decisions and ensure the reliable operation of Starshield satellites. The work involves dynamic analysis, contributing to in-house codes, and hands-on testing. You will be responsible for low- and high-frequency loads and vibration for satellites during ground transportation, ascent/launch, and on-orbit operation. Strong candidates have excellent 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.

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 testing, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
Access to a 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.