Loads & Dynamics Engineer

About the role

Join the Starshield team to analyze and solve vibration and loading challenges across satellite lifecycles. You will partner with Starshield responsible engineers and the Falcon dynamics group to shape hardware design, mission planning, and reliable satellite operations. The work spans computational modeling, in-house tool development, and hands-on test campaigns. You will translate complex launch and on-orbit environments into actionable design guidance for spacecraft structures. The role requires close coordination with test engineers, analysts, and project managers to ensure dynamic risks are identified and mitigated early. You will contribute to both pre-launch certification activities and in-orbit anomaly investigations. Success in this position means ensuring that satellites survive the mechanical stresses of ground handling, launch, and the space environment. This position is critical to delivering robust space systems that meet demanding performance and reliability standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Diagnose and resolve dynamics issues using both analysis and physical testing to validate design assumptions.
• Plan and run dynamic tests end-to-end, including pre-test predictions, sensor selection and placement, data collection, signal processing, and model validation to ensure test objectives are met.
• Construct finite element models and execute coupled loads analyses to predict structural response under complex excitation environments.
• Write new analysis code and apply existing commercial and proprietary tools to solve challenging loading problems and automate workflows.
• Conduct specialized studies such as satellite dispense events, on-orbit jitter, and fatigue assessments to inform design and operations decisions.
• Own low-frequency and high-frequency loads and vibration concerns for ground transport, launch ascent, and orbital operations throughout the satellite lifecycle.
• Support test campaign preparation, including test article readiness, interface checks, and coordination with external test facilities as needed.
• Interpret test and analysis results to identify root causes of dynamic issues and recommend design or procedural changes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate dynamics requirements into system-level designs and verification plans.
• Document methods, assumptions, and results clearly to support peer review, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Advise systems engineers and project managers on trade studies, risk mitigation, and test strategies to meet mission objectives.
• Apply frequency-domain signal processing and analysis techniques to assess launch loads, shock events, and operational vibration.
• Utilize NASTRAN and FEMAP for model building, solution execution, and post-processing to evaluate dynamic responses.
• Develop custom code for dynamics applications to support analysis, test data processing, and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering field is required for this role.
• 1+ years of professional dynamics experience in a relevant industry or research setting.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when project milestones demand it to meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Department of State authorization as required for ITAR-controlled work.
• U.S. citizenship, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee status is required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role at this time.
• Demonstrated capability to analyze and interpret dynamic test data and simulation results.
• Commitment to following detailed test plans and safety procedures in a high-consequence environment.
• Willingness to adhere to company policies, including those related to safety, security, and export controls.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information to diverse audiences.

Nice to have

• Practical experience analyzing test data or building hardware to validate analytical models.
• Background in vibration and shock testing for aerospace or related applications.
• Familiarity with NASTRAN for pre- and post-launch structural analyses.
• Finite element modeling skills, particularly with FEMAP for model setup and result review.
• Understanding of structural analysis and test methods, including strength, stability, and fatigue failure modes.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities to interface with multidisciplinary teams.

Practical notes

• Salary range for Level I: $100,000 to $115,000 per year.
• Salary range for Level II: $110,000 to $135,000 per year.
• Final level and pay depend on relevant knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Total compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) plan, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays per year, and paid sick leave per company policy.
• ITAR restriction: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise able to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorization.
• Reasonable accommodation requests can be directed to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.