Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Medical coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP (SpaceX) is hiring a Loads & Dynamics Engineer for the Starshield project in Hawthorne, California. This role involves conducting dynamic analysis, testing, and contributing to hardware design for satellites. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience with dynamics. Competitive salary offer ranges from $100,000 to $135,000 based on level, plus comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and stock options.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of professional experience with dynamics.
• Hands-on experience with data analysis or hardware building.

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.
• Conduct additional analyses as required.

Skills

Dynamics problem resolution

Dynamic testing execution

Finite element modeling

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, or engineering

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

Job description

SpaceX: Loads & Dynamics Engineer – Starshield

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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+ year 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 / year
• Loads and Dynamics Engineer / Level II: $110,000.00 – $135,000.00 / 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‑ 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.

Other 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, (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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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].