Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is recruiting a Loads & Dynamics Engineer for the Starfall program in Hawthorne, CA. This role focuses on responsible dynamic analysis for the Starfall re-entry capsule, including ground transport, launch, on-orbit operations, and re-entry.

You will develop in-house tools, run simulations, and work with Falcon dynamics teams to guide hardware decisions. The position requires a bachelor's in aerospace/physics/engineering, 1+ years CAD/FEA and dynamic analysis experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software.
• 1+ years of experience with dynamic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis.
• Perform other analyses such as spacecraft separation and fatigue analysis.
• Execute dynamic testing from start-to-finish including pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, and correlation.
• Full ownership of dynamic event analysis by developing in-house computer programs and correlating with flight data.

Skills

CAD

FEA software

Dynamic analysis

Python

Matlab

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics, or engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

LS-DYNA

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

LOADS & DYNAMICS ENGINEER (STARFALL)

The Starfall team is developing the world’s first high-capacity, high-cadence, and low-cost re-entry space capsule. The Starfall capsule will unlock rapid global mobility by enabling point‑point cargo delivery anywhere on Earth in under an hour. Additionally, the Starfall capsule could facilitate numerous other capabilities such as in-space manufacturing and on‑orbit research.

In this role, you will work closely with Starfall responsible engineers as well as the Falcon dynamics team to drive hardware and mission design decisions. This role will involve simulation of dynamic events, contributing to in‑house computer programs, and hands‑on testing. You will be responsible for all low and high frequency loads and vibration for the capsule during ground transportation, launch/ascent, on‑orbit operations, and re‑entry. Strong candidates for this role will have excellent hardware intuition as well as experience with frequency‑domain signal processing and analysis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis
• Perform other analyses as required such as spacecraft separation and fatigue analysis
• Execute dynamic testing from start-to-finish including pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, and correlation
• Full ownership of dynamic event analysis by developing in‑house computer programs and correlating with flight data

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software
• 1+ years of experience with dynamic analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Demonstrated ability to develop/analyze hardware within an integrated engineering team outside of a classroom setting
• Experience with a commercial FEA or Multiphysics simulation package (NASTRAN, FEMAP, LS-DYNA)
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab)
• Highly proficient in classical mechanics, deformable bodies, and statistics/probability
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
• Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s ... should reach out to [e-mail].