Structural Dynamics Engineer (III to Staff), Spacecraft

Trueanomalyinc; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision benefits

401K

Paid Time Off and paid holidays

Job summary

True Anomaly in Long Beach is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer to lead the analysis and validation of aerospace structures. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience in structural dynamics, particularly in aerospace or defense sectors, and proficiency in finite element analysis tools.

This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that design processes meet dynamic requirements. The position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace or defense.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing, including vibration and shock.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material properties, and failure modes.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and validation of spacecraft and missile defense structural systems.
• Perform detailed structural dynamics analyses and develop finite element models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure dynamic requirements are integrated.

Skills

Structural dynamics analysis

Finite element analysis (FEA)

Aerospace engineering knowledge

Environmental testing

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.

OUR MISSION

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.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset.We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take?We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people.Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the analysis and validation of spacecraft and/or missile defense structural systems to ensure survivability and performance under dynamic environments, including launch, on-orbit, and mission operations
• Perform detailed structural dynamics analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations
• Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs) of spacecraft and/or 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
• Experience in spacecraft and/or missile defense dynamic environments, including launch loads, aero loads, vibration, and shock
• 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

• Familiarity with spacecraft-specific structural dynamics challenges, such as coupled loads analysis and dynamic coupling between subsystems
• Familiarity with missile-specific structural dynamics challenges, such as aerothermal loading
• Experience working with lightweight structures, composites, and advanced materials.
• 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: $130,000-$210,000
• 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 – While we observe a hybrid work environment, you will need to be onsite as the business needs require. On an average week, you can expect to spend at least 3 days per week in office at our Long Beach facility.
• Work environment – is in a standard office, working at a desk or in a production factory.
• Physical demands – may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying items up to 20lbs.

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.