About this role
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
LOADS & DYNAMICS ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
In this role, you will work closely with Starshield responsible engineers as well as the Falcon dynamics team to drive hardware and mission design decisions and the reliable operation of Starshield satellites. This role will involve performing dynamic analysis, contributing to in-house codes, as well as hands-on testing. You will be responsible for all low- and high- frequency loads and vibration for the satellites during ground transportation, ascent/launch, and on-orbit operation. Strong candidates for this role will have excellent hardware intuition as well as experience with frequency-domain signal processing and analysis.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test
• Execute dynamic testing from start-to-finish including pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing and model correlation
• Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis
• Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes as well as write new code
• Perform other analyses as required such as satellite dispense, on-orbit jitter, fatigue analysis, etc.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience with dynamics
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Hands-on experience either analyzing data or building hardware
• Experience with vibration and shock testing
• Experience with NASTRAN
• Finite element modeling experience (use of FEMAP)
• Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability and fatigue failure mechanisms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range: Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
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, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible