Senior Dynamics Engineer

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the company

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to drive testing and analysis for high-power satellites. This role involves developing software tools, physics models, and collaborating on cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and has over 5 years of experience in dynamics, along with strong skills in Python and finite element analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in dynamics from industry or academia.
• Strong understanding of low and high frequency dynamics (vibration, acoustics, shock).

Responsibilities

• Drive vehicle-level dynamic testing from start to finish.
• Develop physics models using finite element analysis.
• Create software tools for data processing and simulation frameworks.

Skills

Finite element analysis

Python software development

Dynamics analysis

Testing and measurements

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics

Tools

FEMAP

Nastran

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors and $500M in signed contracts, we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, demanding a fundamentally different class of spacecraft engineered for the harshest radiation environments and massive rockets. With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we’re Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II civilization.

Role

As a member our growing analysis team you will own the derivation of loads and environments for K2 Space satellites during ground transportation, launch, deployment, and on-orbit operation. You will build software tools, establish simulation workflows, devise development testing, and own qualification and acceptance testing of satellite hardware. You will deliver well‑derived requirements and engineering insights to make reliable and mass‑producible spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Drive vehicle-level dynamic testing from start to finish, including test planning, coordination, analysis, and model correlation
• Innovate on cross-disciplinary analysis and test methodologies
• Evolve spacecraft dynamics approaches to optimize for the company’s business
• Develop physics models using finite element analysis and custom-built software
• Create software tools to support data processing and simulation frameworks
• Collaborate with design engineers, analysts, and external customers to develop payload products
• Apply first principles in developing frameworks for both dynamics and non-dynamics analyses
• Perform code reviews for simulation and analysis tools
• Utilize analysis and test to provide data-driven engineering guidance and decisions
• Write high-quality technical documentation of tests and simulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics
• 5+ years of work experience in dynamics from industry or academia

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or mathematics
• Strong understanding of low and high frequency dynamics (vibration, acoustics, shock, modal testing)
• Deep experience with testing and measurements
• Deep experience with finite element analysis software (e.g., FEMAP, Nastran)
• Strong experience in Python software development
• Deep knowledge of digital signal processing, statistics, and structural mechanics
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Excellent communication skills in analysis and test insights
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, unstructured start-up environment

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

Equal Opportunity and EEO Statement

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment 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, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or mental or physical disability.

Export Compliance

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled under U.S. export control regulations. The role requires the individual to be a “U.S. Person” as defined by ITAR and eligible for any necessary export control licenses.