Spacecraft Structural Dynamics Engineer — Vibration & Testing

Craig-Technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies seeks a talented Structural Dynamics Engineer in Houston, TX to support advanced simulation, environmental analysis, and testing of spacecraft hardware for cislunar missions. The role connects finite element modeling with physical testing to ensure structures survive launch and deep-space loads.

Responsibilities include planning and executing environmental tests, building FEMs, and performing analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, plus 5–10 years in structural dynamics.
• 3–5 years of direct experience writing environmental test plans and executing vibration/shock tests.
• Proficiency with analytical simulations and finite element modeling using Nastran or equivalent.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data processing.
• Familiarity with NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-1540.

Responsibilities

• Plan, analyze, and execute environmental testing profiles, including ground vibration testing of spacecraft hardware and modal testing for FEM validation.
• Construct detailed finite element models (FEM), superelements, and test display models for dynamic analyses (modal, random vibration, sine vibration, shock, vibro-acoustic).
• Perform structural hand calculations and simulations to evaluate material strength margins and core mode shapes.
• Collaborate with test engineers to define instrumentation layouts, accelerometer locations, and safe response limits.
• Provide on-site engineering support during modal, vibration, and acoustic testing to ensure test targets and safety objectives are met.
• Prepare rigorous technical reports and presentations to communicate results to internal leads and clients.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Travel on-site

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Nastran

MATLAB

Python

Simcenter NX Nastran

Job description

Craig Technologies seeks a talented Structural Dynamics Engineer in Houston, TX to support advanced simulation, environmental analysis, and testing of spacecraft hardware for cislunar missions. The role connects finite element modeling with physical testing to ensure structures survive launch and deep-space loads.

Responsibilities include planning and executing environmental tests, building FEMs, and performing analyses.