Structural Dynamics Engineer III (Spacecraft)

Job Description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE As an end to end responsive space company Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch land and operate in space anywhere anytime Our small to medium lift launch vehicles lunar landers and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond We utilize carbon composite structures patented propulsion technologies and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly improve reliability and deliver payloads at a lower cost SUMMARY We are seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer Spacecraft to own analysis modeling verification and validation of spacecraft dynamic environments and structural responses This role focuses on random vibration shock acoustics and coupled loads analysis to ensure spacecraft structural integrity and mission success under launch and spaceflight conditions You will collaborate with structures mechanisms thermal and systems teams throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle The level of responsibility independence and technical leadership will be scaled according to the candidates experience RESPONSIBILITIES Core Responsibilities Perform structural dynamics analysis including modal frequency response and random vibration simulations of spacecraft structures and componentsSupport definition and verification of dynamic environments random vibration shock and acousticsConduct test analysis correlation using vibration acoustic and shock test dataContribute to environmental test planning instrumentation recommendations and post test data reviewAnalyze component level responses solar arrays antennas mechanisms payloads under dynamic loadsDeliver clear technical documentation and presentationsSenior Level Responsibilities in addition to Core Independently derive random vibration and shock environments using flight data SMC S 016 NASA SP 8072 numerical simulation and empirical methodsDevelop and deliver Craig Bampton reduced order models in Nastran for coupled loads analysis CLA with launch vehicle providersApply frequency based substructuring FBS to integrate test and analysis modelsProvide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineersLead anomaly resolution and risk reduction activities during integration and test campaignsInterface directly with launch vehicle teams on spacecraft side CLA requirementsQUALIFICATIONS Required Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Structural Engineering or a closely related field37 years of hands on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structural dynamicsFundamental understanding of structural dynamics principlesDemonstrated experience with Craig Bampton model reduction and coupled loads analysisProven track record deriving dynamic environments and supporting environmental testingExperience mentoring junior engineers and influencing cross functional design decisionsProficiency in NastranFemap or equivalent finite element toolsExperience with Python pandas numpy scipy or MATLAB for data processing and analysisSolid understanding of signal processing concepts FFT PSD filtering etcDesired Masters degree in Structural Dynamics Aerospace Engineering or related fieldExperience with Wave6 Pyyeti PyNastran IMAT or other specialized dynamics toolsKnowledge of launch vehicle interface loads and CLA processesExposure to frequency based substructuring FBSFamiliarity with spacecraft environmental testing vibration acoustic shockExperience with Gitversion controlPassion for spaceflight and spacecraft development Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees including generous health dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles parental leave educational reimbursement short term disability and flexible PTO options To conform to US Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State Firefly Aerospace Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national originethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status