Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$136,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

Apex is seeking a Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer to own dynamic analysis and vehicle response across its spacecraft. The role predicts and validates hardware behavior throughout all flight phases, from ground and launch environments through on-orbit operations. The engineer works with structures, test, and systems teams to ensure vehicles are robust to vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads. The position encompasses dynamic and loads analysis for components, subsystems, and complete spacecraft; load derivation and structural verification; vehicle-response prediction; structural dynamics analysis; coupled spacecraft and launch vehicle modeling; dynamic test planning and execution; and processing test and flight data to validate models. It also involves developing analysis tools and workflows, partnering with design, test, and manufacturing teams, and providing technical leadership and mentorship. Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. Its spacecraft support applications including Earth observation and communications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering field.
8 or more years of experience in structural dynamics, loads, or environment prediction.
Strong fundamentals in vibration, shock, transient response, and frequency-domain analysis.
Experience with finite element modeling and analysis, such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar.
Strong background in linear algebra, numerical methods, and dynamic system modeling.
Experience with telemetry, test, or flight data processing and correlation.
Experience developing simulation tools and performing high-speed data and signal processing.
Ability to communicate complex dynamics concepts clearly across engineering teams.
Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle coupled loads analysis.
Hands-on experience with vibration, shock, or mode survey testing.
Familiarity with industry standards such as GSFC or MIL-STD.
Experience with flexible body dynamics or separation events.
Experience building internal tools or automating analysis workflows.

Responsibilities

Own dynamic and loads analysis across components, subsystems, and full spacecraft.
Perform coupled loads analysis, load derivation, and structural verification.
Develop load cases and environmental requirements, including quasi-static, random vibration, shock, and acoustics.
Predict vehicle response across launch, deployment, and on-orbit conditions.
Perform structural dynamics analyses using finite element models and analytical methods to evaluate loads, margins, and system behavior.
Build and assemble coupled system models across spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces.
Plan and execute dynamic test campaigns, including vibration and mode survey testing, from setup through data validation and model correlation.
Process and analyze test and flight data to validate models and improve prediction accuracy.
Evaluate analytical predictions against test and flight data and improve loads methodologies.
Develop internal tools and workflows for simulation, data processing, and signal analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
Partner with design, test, and manufacturing teams to influence hardware and ensure requirements are met.
Provide technical leadership on complex dynamics problems and mentor more junior engineers.

Benefits

Equity in Apex.
Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
$100,000 life insurance at no cost.
Starting at 15 vacation days, increasing to 20 or more days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and a 50% match on the next 2%.
Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
Childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks.
Office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for employees and their families.
Tools for a personalized desk setup.
In-person collaboration at the Playa Vista office with flexibility to integrate work and life.
Long-term incentives in the form of stock options for full-time hires.