Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer

Menlo Ventures; Laguna Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Lunch provided

401(k) plan

Parental Leave

PTO and holidays

Job summary

True Anomaly seeks a Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer to join the Mechanisms team. You will be the technical authority for structural dynamics across spacecraft mechanism and actuation systems, developing FEMs and performing modal, random vibration, and shock analyses from launch to orbit.

You will translate results into actionable design guidance, work with mechanical, GNC, and systems engineering, and contribute to test correlation and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; master's preferred.
• 5+ years of professional experience in structural dynamics for aerospace/defense/high-reliability.
• Proficiency with FEM tools (NASTRAN/ANSYS) and dynamic analyses.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and validate FEMs for spacecraft mechanism components.
• Perform modal, frequency, random vibration, and shock analyses for launch/on-orbit.
• Develop disturbance models and assess impacts on pointing stability.
• Collaborate with GNC to mitigate disturbances affecting attitude control.
• Define and support dynamic test campaigns and correlate with FEM predictions.
• Translate results into design recommendations and margins.
• Support trades, design reviews, and qualification with dynamics input.
• Maintain analysis documentation and test correlation records.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve dynamics processes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Cross-functional

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NASTRAN

ANSYS

FEA tools

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
• Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
• Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
• And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
• Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company's success.

Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles

YOUR MISSION

True Anomaly is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer to join our Mechanisms team, reporting to the Mechanisms Engineering Manager. In this role, you will be the technical authority for structural dynamics analysis across our spacecraft mechanism and actuation systems — from launch load environments through on-orbit disturbance and pointing stability. You will develop and own finite element models, execute modal, random vibration, shock and frequency response analyses, and translate results into actionable design guidance for the mechanisms and broader spacecraft engineering teams. You bring deep analytical expertise, a hands‑on approach to test correlation, and the ability to work fluidly across mechanical, GNC, and systems engineering disciplines to ensure our hardware performs reliably from the pad to orbit.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, maintain, and validate finite element models (FEMs) for spacecraft mechanism and actuation system components and assemblies
• Perform structural dynamics analyses including modal analysis, frequency response, random vibration, shock response, and quasi-static load analysis across launch and on-orbit environments
• Develop and maintain mechanism‑level disturbance models, including jitter and vibration disturbance budgets, and assess impacts on pointing stability and spacecraft performance
• Collaborate with the GNC team to characterize and mitigate dynamic disturbances from actuation systems affecting attitude control and pointing accuracy
• Define and support dynamic test campaigns including modal surveys, sine sweep, random vibration, and shock testing; correlate FEM predictions with test data
• Translate analysis results into clear design recommendations and margin assessments, driving design changes where needed
• Support mechanism trade studies, design reviews, and qualification activities with dynamics analysis inputs
• Develop and maintain analysis documentation including model descriptions, analysis reports, and test correlation records
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of structural dynamics processes and tools

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 5+ years of professional experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability applications
• Demonstrated proficiency with FEA tools for structural dynamics (NASTRAN, ANSYS, or equivalent)
• Experience with modal analysis, random vibration, shock response spectrum (SRS), and frequency response analysis
• Familiarity with launch vehicle interface requirements and coupled loads analysis processes
• Experience supporting or interpreting dynamic environmental test campaigns and correlating results with FEM predictions
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with mechanical design, GNC, and systems engineering teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with spacecraft mechanism or actuation system dynamics, including jitter analysis and disturbance budgeting for precision pointing applications
• Familiarity with GNC interface requirements and the impact of structural dynamics on attitude control performance
• Experience with coupled loads analysis (CLA) and launch vehicle ICD compliance
• Knowledge of fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis methods
• Familiarity with test‑analysis correlation methods and model updating techniques
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for post‑processing and automating analysis workflows
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $135,000 - $200,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

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, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
• Work Location: Successful candidates will be located near our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work Enviornment: the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical Demands: the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.