Dynamics Engineer

xbowsystems; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

xbowsystems is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to advance structural dynamics and loads methodology across launch vehicle and missile defense programs. You will build FE models, run modal and vibroacoustic analyses, and drive design decisions from concept to flight.

The role blends simulation and hands-on testing, requiring strong scripting skills, data handling, and the ability to deliver end-to-end dynamic test campaigns while shaping hardware architecture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in structural dynamics, loads, or vibration analysis.
• Experience with modal, random vibration, shock, transient, frequency-response, and vibroacoustic analysis in NASTRAN.
• Experience planning and executing dynamic testing from pre-test analysis through sensor installation, execution, and correlation.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and experience with object-oriented programming for engineering analysis, automation, and data processing.
• Experience generating Maximum Predicted Environments and Qualification levels from raw test and flight data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve structural dynamics and loads analysis methodology.
• Build finite element models and perform coupled loads analysis; work with Craig-Bampton reduced-order models.
• Perform modal, random vibration, shock, transient, frequency-response, and vibroacoustic analyses.
• Define dynamic test strategy across components and full-vehicle qualification.
• Own dynamic testing end to end: pre-test analysis, sensor selection, test execution, and post-test correlation.
• Correlate analytical models against ground test and flight data for continuous improvement.
• Communicate loads and environments to structural/design teams and influence design decisions.
• Develop and maintain in-house analysis tools, scripts, and APIs (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Support qualification, acceptance, environmental, and flight test campaigns.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Leadership

Full product lifecycle

Engineering analysis

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or Physics

Master's degree (preferred) in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

NASTRAN

FEMAP

HyperMesh

DEWEsoft Sirius

NI PXI

Wave6/VAone

Job description

Dynamics Engineer

Location: Remote · Department: Solid Rocket Motor Design and Analysis · Level: III

About the Role

We're looking for a Dynamics Engineer to support structural dynamics and loads methodology across our launch vehicle and/or missile defense systems. You'll build and correlate low-fidelity analytical models, define and execute dynamic test campaigns, and translate results into engineering decisions that shape hardware from early concept through flight. You'll work closely with structures, design, and test teams to make sure our vehicles, motor, and components survive the ground transportation, launch/ascent, and any applicable environments related to acceleration, vibration, shock, and vibroacoustics.

This role suits someone who moves fluidly between simulation and hands-on hardware testing, enjoys developing their own analysis tooling, and wants direct influence over vehicle architecture rather than working in a narrow analytical silo.

Responsibilities

• Develop and continuously improve structural dynamics and loads analysis methodology
• Build finite element models and perform coupled loads analysis; generate and work with Craig-Bampton reduced-order models
• Perform modal, random vibration, shock, transient, frequency-response, and vibroacoustic analyses
• Conduct spacecraft/stage separation analysis as needed
• Define dynamic test strategy across component, subsystem, and full-vehicle qualification, including modal surveys and vibration testing
• Own dynamic testing end to end: pre-test analysis, sensor selection and installation, test execution, and post-test correlation
• Correlate analytical models against ground test and flight data, and drive continuous improvement in model fidelity
• Communicate loads and environments to structural and design counterparts, and weigh in on the design implications
• Support configuration trade studies and the development and verification of loads and environments (vibration/shock) requirements
• Develop and maintain in-house analysis tools, scripts, and APIs (e.g., Python, MATLAB) to improve engineering throughput
• Produce and maintain loads data book deliverables
• Manage and post-process large test and simulation datasets, leveraging high-performance computing where useful
• Support qualification, acceptance, environmental, and flight test campaigns
• Partner across a broad set of disciplines to keep hardware performance and schedule on track in a fast-moving development environment

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in structural dynamics, loads, or vibration analysis
• Experience performing modal, random vibration, shock, transient, frequency-response, and vibroacoustic analysis in NASTRAN.
• Experience planning and executing dynamic testing (modal surveys, vibration, shock) from pre-test analysis through sensor installation, execution, and correlation
• Experience with channel setup, sample rate selection, anti-aliasing/filtering, and sensor installation/setup for modal/ground/flight testing and transportation/shipping
• Proficiency in MATLAB and experience with object-oriented programming for engineering analysis, automation, and data processing
• Experience in generating Maximum Predicted Environments and Qualification levels from raw test and flight data for random vibration, sinusoidal vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
• Demonstrated technical leadership across a full product development lifecycle, including missile, launch vehicle, or spacecraft programs.
• Strong grounding in structural mechanics, dynamics, and aerospace loads/environments.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, rapid-hardware-iteration environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience configuring data acquisition systems (i.e. DEWEsoft Sirius, NI PXI, enDAQ, or equivalent)
• Experience with FEA tools such as FEMAP, HyperMesh, or equivalent. Familiarity with NASTRAN DMAP.
• Vibroacoustics experience in Wave6 (experience with VAone is acceptable).
• Experience correlating analytical models against ground test and flight data.
• Experience generating and working with Craig-Bampton reduced-order models and coupled loads analysis.
• Experience using Large Language Model harnesses, such as Codex or Claude Code, to automate processes.
• Experience with multi-body dynamic analysis, mathematical modeling, and control algorithms.
• Experience developing custom in-house analysis tools, scripts, or APIs.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD and/or NASA dynamic test qualification standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including coordinating small-to-medium technical teams.
• Active security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI) a plus.