Loads and Dynamics Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

LOADS AND DYNAMICS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

Dynamics is responsible for low and high frequency loads, vibration, and forcing functions for SpaceX satellites during ground transportation, ascent (launch), and on-orbit operation. Challenges vary from ensuring that the satellites can tolerate the harsh vibration of launch vehicle excitations to ensuring that micro-vibrations on-orbit don’t adversely affect payload pointing. Responsibilities also include database design and software programming for tool development. This role will also be responsible for test planning, setup, execution, and data processing. Dynamics engineers are expected to have a strong intuition of the frequency domain in addition to having solid software and analytical skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support satellite programs
• Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test
• Build finite element models
• Execute dynamic testing from start-to-finish (pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing and model correlation)
• Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes as well as write new code
• Perform other analyses that improve products including, but not limited to, satellite brightness, stress analyses, and fatigue analysis.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years work experience dynamics either from industry, research, internships or academic projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Hands-on experience either analyzing data or building hardware
• Experience with vibration, shock, and modal 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
• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

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 for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.