Senior Dynamics Engineer

Element Materials Technology•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

Element is seeking an experienced Senior Dynamics Engineer to take technical ownership of dynamics testing programs, standardize facilities, and improve operational efficiency. The role leads complex vibration and shock testing, mentors junior engineering staff, oversees preventative maintenance, and works with sales, scheduling, facilities, and management to align technical execution with business goals. The listed salary is $110,000–$130,000 per year, depending on experience. The engineer will oversee test execution, fixture and instrumentation design, pressurized test setups and schematics, data management and reporting workflows, and laboratory operations. The role also contributes to capital expenditure planning, facility and equipment upgrades, lab scheduling, technician guidance, and cross-functional business planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience in dynamics testing, environmental simulation, structural dynamics, or vibration laboratory operations.
Hands-on proficiency with Vibration Research (VibrationVIEW) controller software for vibration and shock profile generation, setup, and control.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling, fixture evaluation, and reading and creating mechanical drawings.
In-depth knowledge of shaker systems, digital vibration controllers, standard accelerometer types, strain gauge installations, and pressure transducers or sensors.
Strong technical proficiency in pressurization systems, fluid and pneumatic test setups, pressure safety standards, and reading or drafting P&IDs.
Proficiency in testing standards such as MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, and launch vehicle or aerospace acceptance and qualification standards.
Demonstrated experience in technical report writing, data review, and data auditing.
Proven experience mentoring junior engineers or technical staff, delegating workflows, and leading cross-functional process improvements.
Strong technical communication and presentation skills for working with customers, sales teams, and senior management.

Nice To Haves

Experience with aerospace hardware qualification programs, including commercial space or launch vehicle programs involving high-pressure pneumatic or hydraulic testing during dynamic exposure.
Advanced experience designing test fixtures and tooling in SolidWorks.
Advanced experience working in a dynamics test laboratory.
Experience performing vibration and shock testing on a dual shaker system.

Responsibilities

Provide end-to-end technical leadership for complex dynamics test programs, including sine sweeps, random vibration, and shock testing, using Vibration Research control systems and meeting customer requirements and industry standards.
Use SolidWorks to model test setups, review fixture designs, interpret schematics, and ensure mechanical interfacing between test articles and shaker systems.
Oversee test setups involving pressurized systems, pneumatics, and fluid loops; interpret, review, and author P&IDs and fluid or pressurization schematics.
Oversee instrumentation design and data acquisition setups, including accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers, and controllers.
Maintain standard server folder structures and secure document control, and streamline data handoffs between laboratory technicians and the reporting team to support a target 10-day report delivery lead time after testing.
Coordinate laboratory operations and administrative workflows using VLAB laboratory management software.
Work with facilities and management to evaluate and execute CapEx plans, laboratory layout improvements, pressurized-system upgrades, and equipment capital projects.
Mentor junior engineers through structured training in laboratory safety, Vibration Research software and shaker fundamentals, instrumentation, pressure safety, and administrative processes.
Delegate routine test campaigns and customer communications to junior engineers.
Oversee technician workflows, file compliance, safety procedures, and standard operating procedures across the dynamics laboratory.
Finalize, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance plans and daily checkout procedures for dynamics shakers, controllers, pressure-control hardware, and instrumentation.
Partner with scheduling and department leadership to develop weekly and monthly laboratory schedules that optimize testing throughput.
Collaborate with Department Managers, Sales, and Quoting teams to assess the incoming dynamics pipeline, support proposal development, and align operational goals with quarterly revenue targets.