Structural Dynamics Engineer (III to Staff), Space Based Interceptors

Trueanomalyinc; California (MO); On-site; USD 105,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401K

Job summary

True Anomaly in California seeks a Lead Structural Dynamics Analyst to drive the analysis of space-based interceptors. You will validate structural systems and perform stress analyses under dynamic conditions.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and at least 6 years of relevant experience in structural dynamics. The compensation ranges from $105,000 to $260,000 based on experience and level.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace applications.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and material properties.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and validation of structural systems for space-based interceptors.
• Perform detailed structural dynamics stress analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate dynamic requirements.

Skills

Structural dynamics analysis

Finite element analysis (FEA)

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Proficiency in CAD tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEMAP/NASTRAN

HyperWorks/OptiStruct

SolidWorks/NX

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

YOUR MISSION

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the analysis and validation of Space Based Interceptors structural systems to ensure survivability and performance under dynamic environments, including launch and mission operations.
• Perform detailed structural dynamics stress analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations.
• Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs) of missile defense structures and subsystems, ensuring accuracy in predicting dynamic behavior.
• Define and lead dynamic testing campaigns, including vibration, shock, and acoustic testing, to verify structural integrity and correlate models with test results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering, to ensure dynamic requirements are integrated into the design process.
• Provide expertise in structural dynamics during trade studies, design reviews, and critical decision‑making processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability applications.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as FEMAP/NASTRAN or HyperWorks/OptiStruct.
• Proficiency with missile‑specific structural dynamics challenges, such as aerothermal loading.
• Experience in missile defense dynamic environments, including launch loads, aero loads, vibration, and shock.
• Proficiency in missile defense – specific structural analysis concerns such as thin wall buckling, pressure vessel burst, and safe‑life/damage‑tolerance assessment.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material properties, and failure modes in aerospace applications.
• Hands‑on experience with environmental testing, including random, sine, and sine burst vibration.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with lightweight structures, composites, and advanced materials.
• Experience with spacecraft‑specific structural dynamics challenges, such as coupled loads analysis and dynamic coupling between subsystems.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, such as SolidWorks/NX for integrating FEMs with detailed vehicle assembly models – Teamcenter for PLM.
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation for dynamic testing, including accelerometers, strain gauges, and data acquisition systems.
• Hands‑on experience with environmental testing including shock and acoustic tests.
• Demonstrated experience with full program life cycle (capture to launch).

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary III: $105,000- $170,000
• Base Salary Senior: $130,000- $210,000
• Base Salary Staff: $155,000- $260,000

Equity & Benefits

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS/SCI clearance.
• Work Location — this a fully onsite position based out of our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office.
• Work environment — the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands — the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

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., 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.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.