Structural Dynamics Engineer

Castelion; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Castelion seeks a Structural Dynamics Engineer to own the dynamics methodology for missile and aerospace systems, developing high-fidelity analytical models and validating them through testing. You will influence design decisions from concept through flight, collaborating across structures, propulsion, avionics, flight test, and manufacturing.

This role requires a strong background in structural dynamics, FEMAP/NASTRAN, and MATLAB/Python, with a track record of correlating models to test data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent).
• 3+ years of structural dynamics, loads, or vibration analysis.
• Experience with FEMAP, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools.
• Strong MATLAB and/or Python for engineering analysis.
• Experience performing modal, vibration, shock, or transient dynamic analyses.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, and aerospace loads environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and continually improve Castelion's structural dynamics and loads analysis methodologies.
• Perform modal, random vibration, shock, transient, and frequency response analyses for flight hardware.
• Generate structural dynamics models and simulation results that directly influence critical engineering decisions.
• Define dynamic test strategies spanning component, subsystem, and full vehicle qualification.
• Correlate analytical models with test data and continually improve model fidelity.
• Partner closely with design, manufacturing, propulsion, avionics, and flight test teams to optimize hardware performance.
• Develop automated analysis tools and workflows to improve engineering efficiency.
• Support qualification, acceptance, environmental, and flight testing activities.
• Drive technical decisions in a fast-paced, highly collaborative development environment.

Skills

Structural dynamics

Loads analysis

Vibration analysis

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

Job description

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.

Structural Dynamics Engineer

As a Structural Dynamics Engineer at Castelion, you will own the structural dynamics methodology used across our missile and aerospace systems. You will develop high-fidelity analytical models, validate them through testing, and provide the engineering insight that drives design decisions from concept through flight. You'll work across structures, propulsion, avionics, flight test, manufacturing, and test engineering to ensure our vehicles survive some of the harshest dynamic environments imaginable. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining analysis with real hardware testing and wants to influence vehicle architecture from day one.

Responsibilities

• Develop and continually improve Castelion's structural dynamics and loads analysis methodologies
• Perform modal, random vibration, shock, transient, and frequency response analyses for flight hardware
• Generate structural dynamics models and simulation results that directly influence critical engineering decisions
• Define dynamic test strategies spanning component, subsystem, and full vehicle qualification
• Correlate analytical models with test data and continually improve model fidelity
• Partner closely with design, manufacturing, propulsion, avionics, and flight test teams to optimize hardware performance
• Develop automated analysis tools and workflows to improve engineering efficiency
• Support qualification, acceptance, environmental, and flight testing activities
• Drive technical decisions in a fast-paced, highly collaborative development environment

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of experience performing structural dynamics, loads, or vibration analysis
• Experience with finite element modeling using FEMAP, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools
• Strong experience using MATLAB and/or Python for engineering analysis and data processing
• Experience performing modal, vibration, shock, or transient dynamic analyses
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, and aerospace loads environments

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience supporting development of missile, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems
• Experience planning and executing structural dynamics testing including modal surveys and vibration testing
• Experience correlating analytical models with physical test results
• Experience developing custom engineering analysis tools or APIs (FEMAP API, Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Familiarity with qualification standards including MIL-STD and NASA dynamic testing requirements
• Demonstrated technical leadership through complete product development programs
• Experience working in a rapid hardware development environment

Castelion offers a generous benefits package. Please refer to the bottom of our Careers page for more details.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Castelion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Castelion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests for accommodation will be considered on an individual basis and handled in accordance with applicable law. Castelion is committed to fostering a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

EAR/ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.