Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Loads & Dynamics Engineer for Starshield based in Hawthorne, California. The role involves resolving dynamics problems, executing dynamic testing, and building finite element models, with a requirement for a Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or engineering and at least 1 year of professional experience. Preferred skills include hands-on hardware experience and knowledge of NASTRAN. The position offers a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, stock options, and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience with dynamics.
• Hands-on experience either analyzing data or building hardware.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test.
• Execute dynamic testing from start-to-finish.
• Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis.
• Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes.

Skills

Analyzing data

Building hardware

Vibration and shock testing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

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 (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test
• Execute dynamic testing from start‑to‑finish including pre‑test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing and model correlation
• Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis
• Perform analyses using commercial and in‑house codes as well as write new code
• Perform other analyses as required such as satellite dispense, on‑orbit jitter, fatigue analysis, etc.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience with dynamics

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Hands‑on experience either analyzing data or building hardware
• Experience with vibration and shock testing
• Experience with NASTRAN
• Finite element modeling experience (use of FEMAP)
• Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability and fatigue failure mechanisms
• 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:

• Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
• Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

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, stock options, 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 & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].