Spacecraft Structural Dynamics Engineer: Testing & FEM Expert

Socket.dev; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies seeks a Structural Dynamics Engineer in Houston, TX (or Merritt Island, FL) to support spacecraft hardware environmental analysis from FEM to ground testing. You will bridge modeling and testing to ensure structures survive launch and deep-space loads.

The role requires a strong background in structural dynamics, FEM, and coding with MATLAB or Python, plus travel to testing facilities and on-site work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 5–10 years of structural dynamics experience.
• Experience with environmental test planning and vibration testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, analyze, and execute environmental testing profiles for spacecraft hardware.
• Develop detailed finite element models and test display models for dynamic analyses.
• Perform structural hand calculations and simulations to assess margins.
• Collaborate with test engineers to define test plans and instrumentation layouts.
• Provide on-site engineering support during testing to meet targets and safety goals.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate findings.

Skills

Critical thinking

Interpersonal communication

On-site collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Nastran

MATLAB

Python

Simcenter NX Nastran

Job description

Craig Technologies seeks a Structural Dynamics Engineer in Houston, TX (or Merritt Island, FL) to support spacecraft hardware environmental analysis from FEM to ground testing. You will bridge modeling and testing to ensure structures survive launch and deep-space loads.

The role requires a strong background in structural dynamics, FEM, and coding with MATLAB or Python, plus travel to testing facilities and on-site work.