Structural Dynamics Engineer

Craig Technologies; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies is seeking a talented Structural Dynamics Engineer to join our team in Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX or Merritt Island, FL. The role focuses on advanced simulation, environmental analysis, and structural testing of spacecraft hardware destined for cislunar missions.

You will build FEMs, perform analyses, prepare reports, and support on-site test activities, collaborating with test engineers to ensure rigorous test plans and safe operations across multiple facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 5–10 years in structural dynamics.
• 3–5 years of experience writing environmental test plans and executing vibration/shock tests.
• Proficiency in analytical simulations and FEM using Nastran or equivalent.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data processing and scripting.
• Familiarity with NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-1540 standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, analyze, and execute environmental testing profiles including GVT and modal testing.
• Construct detailed FEM/models and test display models for dynamic analyses.
• Perform hand calculations and simulations to evaluate material strength margins.
• Collaborate to define instrumentation layouts and safe response limits.
• Provide on-site support during tests and troubleshoot telemetry.

Skills

Structural dynamics

Finite element analysis

MATLAB

Python

Nastran

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Simcenter NX Nastran

MEscope

Job description

Req#: 4097

The vision at Craig Technologies is to make space accessible to everyone by increasing the viability of low-cost access to space. At Craig Technologies, our whole is greater than the sum of our parts. The Craig Technologies team is made up of highly talented individuals, each contributing their own experience, knowledge, skills, and ideas. It is our team that sets us apart from our competition and makes our mission of Bringing Space Down to Earth™ possible. At Craig Technologies we treat each day like it’s Day One. We operate with a sense of urgency; we are customer obsessed, always learning and constantly evolving. Join our team and be a part of something great!

Job Summary

Craig Technologies is seeking a talented and experienced Structural Dynamics Engineer to join our team in Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX or Merritt Island, FL. The candidate will support the advanced simulation, environmental analysis, and structural testing of spacecraft hardware destined for cislunar and lunar orbit missions. This role bridges the gap between finite element modeling and physical environmental testing to ensure satellite structures survive intense launch environments, spacecraft separations, and deep-space dynamic loads.

• Plan, analyze, and execute environmental testing profiles, including ground vibration testing (GVT) of spacecraft hardware and modal testing for finite element model validation.
• Construct detailed finite element models (FEM), superelements, and test display models optimized for dynamic analyses (such as modal, random vibration, sine vibration, shock, and vibro-acoustic profiles).
• Perform structural hand calculations and numerical simulations to evaluate material strength margins, structural notching limits, and core mode shapes.
• Collaborate with test engineers to define comprehensive environmental test plans that establish instrumentation layouts, accelerometer locations, and safe response limits.
• Provide dedicated, on-site engineering support during modal, vibration, and acoustic testing to ensure test targets, sensor calibrations, and safety objectives are met.
• Perform signal analysis and evaluate test telemetry data across both time and frequency domains to troubleshoot hardware vibration anomalies.
• Prepare rigorous technical reports, structural verification packages, and presentations to communicate analysis results, findings, and design recommendations to internal engineering leads and commercial clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• High level critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and a detail-oriented structural engineering mindset.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical documentation skills with the ability to summarize complex load data clearly.
• Willingness and ability to travel to external testing facilities and work actively on-site at vibration/acoustic test chambers.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a highly related field plus 5-10 years of experience in structural dynamics.
• 3-5 years of direct experience writing environmental test plans, executing vibration/shock tests, and using empirical data to correlate structural models.
• Proficiency in performing analytical simulations and structural finite element modeling utilizing Nastran or equivalent solvers.
• Proficiency in coding, automated scripting, and processing time-series data using MATLAB or Python.
• Familiarity with relevant aerospace testing and analysis standards, such as NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-016, or MIL-STD-1540.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Experience with Simcenter (NX) Nastran or Beta CAE products (ANSA, META, EPYLISIS) for finite element modeling and post-processing is a plus.
• Experience with Vibration Research test software, MEscope, or spacecraft-level shaker table testing is highly desired.
• All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screen.
• To conform to U.S. Government 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.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing or walking on hard surfaces.
• Ability to travel <15% to environmental test sites.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Note: This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.

***All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information. *** Craig Technologies is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other non-job-related protected status. All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.