Structural Dynamicist (Early-Mid Career)

STOKE Space Technologies; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity - stock options

Comprehensive benefits (medical, etc.)

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Stoke Space is seeking a Structural Dynamicist to analyze and test launch-vehicle hardware, ensuring reliable and reusable aerospace structures. You’ll work with a small, mission-driven team to advance hardware performance from design through verification.

You will develop analytical models, conduct tests, and collaborate with engineers to improve designs and test approaches while shaping tools and guidelines for faster, more robust analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Solid structural fundamentals including statics and dynamics
• Practical experience with structural dynamics analysis
• Basic FEA experience
• Basic scripting in Python or MATLAB
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical models of launch-vehicle and rocket-engine hardware to assess structural performance, including modal analysis, life, strength, and stability
• Support structural and component testing through test planning, instrumentation selection and placement, hands-on execution, and data review to characterize dynamic environments and validate structural performance
• Collaborate with other engineers and cross-functional teams to improve designs and optimize test approaches
• Develop tools, methods, and guidance to improve speed, consistency, and automation
• Document results of modeling and testing activities to support communication and verification activities
• Other responsibilities as required

Skills

Structural dynamics

FEA

Python/MATLAB

Statics & dynamics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Wave6

Job description

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

Description

Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. Structural dynamics is at the heart of making parts, assemblies, and systems that are robust and reusable. As a structural dynamicist at Stoke, you will perform analysis and tests to assess the structural performance of our launch vehicle and rocket engine hardware. You'll work closely with other analysts and Responsible Engineers in a truly hardware rich environment to ensure we develop robust hardware. This role presents a unique opportunity to work on aerospace structures across different systems and disciplines. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other companies.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical models of launch vehicle and rocket engine hardware to assess structural performance, including modal analysis, life, strength, and stability
• Support structural and component testing through test planning, instrumentation selection and placement, hands‑on execution, and data review to characterize both dynamic environments and validate structural performance
• Collaborate with other engineers and cross‑functional teams to improve designs and optimize test approaches
• Develop tools, methods, and guidance to improve speed, consistency, and automation
• Document results of modeling and testing activities to support communication and verification activities
• Other responsibilities as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Solid structural fundamentals including both statics and dynamics
• Practical experience (such as through a project team or internship) with application of structural dynamics through analysis
• Basic FEA experience
• Basic experience with scripting tools such as Python or MATLAB
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to launch vehicles, rocket engines, or other high-performance hardware through internships or similar
• Experience with any/all of ANSYS, NASTRAN, Wave6

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full‑time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
• Holidays – 11 days (including an end‑of‑year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On‑site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 1 Range: $95,550 - $120,645
• Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470
• Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per‑candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

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. (i.e., current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and backgroundchecks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I‑9 at the start of employment and re‑verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I‑9 process, as noted above, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.