About the RoleApex is looking for a Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer to own dynamic analysis and vehicle response across our spacecraft. This role is responsible for predicting and validating how our hardware behaves across all phases of flight, from ground and launch environments through on-orbit operations. You'll work across structures, test, and systems teams to ensure our vehicles are robust to vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads.
Responsibilities:- Own dynamic and loads analysis across components, subsystems, and full spacecraft
- Expertise in CLA, load derivation and structural verification
- Develop load cases and environmental requirements (quasi-static, random vibration, shock, acoustics)
- Predict vehicle response across launch, deployment, and on-orbit conditions
- Perform structural dynamics analyses using FEM and analytical methods to evaluate loads, margins, and system behavior
- Build and assemble coupled system models across spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces
- Plan and execute dynamic test campaigns, including vibration and mode survey testing, from setup through data validation and model correlation
- Process and analyze test and flight data to validate models and improve prediction accuracy
- Evaluate analytical predictions against test and flight data and drive improvements to loads methodologies
- Develop internal tools and workflows (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for simulation, data processing, and signal analysis
- Partner cross functionally with design, test, and manufacturing teams to influence hardware and ensure requirements are met
- Provide technical leadership on complex dynamics problems and mentor more junior engineers
Requirements:- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
- 1+ years of experience in structural dynamics, loads, or environment prediction
- Strong fundamentals in vibration, shock, transient response, and frequency-domain analysis
- Experience with finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)
- Strong background in linear algebra, numerical methods, and dynamic system modeling
- Experience with telemetry, test, or flight data processing and correlation
- Experience developing simulation tools and performing high-speed data and signal processing
- Ability to communicate complex dynamics concepts clearly across engineering teams
- Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments
Nice to have:- Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle coupled loads analysis
- Hands-on experience with vibration, shock, or mode survey testing
- Familiarity with industry standards (GSFC, MIL-STD, etc.)
- Experience with flexible body dynamics or separation events
- Experience building internal tools or automating analysis workflows
