About the Role:
Serve as the technical authority for the loads and dynamic environments that define what the vehicle must survive. You'll own the load cases and dynamic models that drive structural sizing across ascent, stage separation, entry, landing, and reuse. As a senior individual contributor, you'll set the methodology, make the judgment calls on where to add fidelity and where to move fast, and raise the bar for the discipline by mentoring engineers and driving decisions across teams: ensuring the vehicle is neither over-built nor under-designed for the environments it actually sees.
Responsibilities- Own the vehicle loads as the discipline lead: quasi-static, transient, and dynamic load cases across ground handling, ascent, separation, entry, landing, and reuse.
- Establish the methods, tools, and standards the loads and dynamics discipline works to.
- Build and maintain structural dynamic models (FEM, modal, coupled loads) and reconcile them with test and flight data.
- Define vibration, shock, acoustic, and random-vibe environments for components, mechanisms, and payloads.
- Perform coupled loads analysis (CLA) and integrate propulsion, aero, GNC, and structural inputs into a consistent load set.
- Deliver clear, timely load sets and interface requirements to structures, mechanisms, and propulsion teams.
- Assess flutter, buffet, slosh, and other aeroelastic/coupled dynamic phenomena.
- Support test planning and correlation-modal surveys, static and dynamic test campaigns-and update models from results.
- Investigate anomalies and reconstruct flight loads from telemetry to improve future load predictions.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across the structures and mechanisms teams.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field.
- 8+ years of experience in loads, structural dynamics, or vibration analysis for flight hardware or high-performance systems.
- Deep proficiency with finite element modeling and dynamic analysis (modal, transient, frequency response).
- Demonstrated ownership of load cases and environments that drove the structural design of a flight vehicle or major system.
- Proven ability to correlate models against test or flight data and adjust methodology accordingly.
Preferred Qualifications:- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering field.
- Experience with launch vehicles or reusable flight systems.
- Hands-on experience owning coupled loads analysis (CLA) campaigns.
- Familiarity with aeroelasticity (flutter, buffet) and coupled phenomena.
- Experience defining and correlating vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
- Proficiency with tools such as Adams, LS-DYNA, or equivalent, plus scripting (Python/MATLAB) for load-set processing and automation.
- Experience supporting structural test campaigns and modal surveys.
- Track record of mentoring engineers and setting technical direction without formal authority.
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$95,,000 - $130,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
