As a Loads and Dynamics Engineer, you will manage mechanical load definitions for planetary rovers, conduct load analyses, and support hardware testing, collaborating with engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
As a Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer, you will work with other engineering teams to design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for defining and managing mechanical load definitions related to launch, landing, and operations, as well as conducting load analyses and tests throughout the lifecycle of hardware development.
As a Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer, you will work with other engineering teams to design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for defining and managing mechanical load definitions related to launch, landing, and operations, as well as conducting load analyses and tests throughout the lifecycle of hardware development.
What you'll do:
- Define and manage mechanical loads & environments (static, vibration, shock, and acoustics) for design using techniques such as:
- Mass acceleration curve generation or other preliminary design methods
- Finite element modeling and simulation using aerospace industry methods
- Design loads analysis methods such as response-limited sine vibration or Modal Mass Acceleration Curves
- Model reduction and delivery for coupled loads analyses
- Support dynamics test setup and analysis for hardware development and verification, including ownership of test campaigns for dynamics model correlation. Notable test types include:
- Modal survey
- Sine & random vibration
- Acoustic
- Shock
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field
- 2+ years of professional experience in spacecraft dynamics modeling, loads analysis, or testing.
- Experience using NASTRAN or a comparable finite element analysis (FEA) solver for statics and dynamics simulations, with experience using associated pre/post-processing software such as Femap or similar tools.
- Experience using MATLAB or a comparable engineering analysis tool for data analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field.
- Experience developing or integrating specialized engineering analysis tools, including Femap API or MATLAB integrations.
- Experience applying analytical calculations, numerical simulation, testing, and engineering judgment to solve spacecraft dynamics or related engineering problems.
- Experience mentoring or supporting the development of junior engineers, contractors, or interns.
- Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, execute assigned tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Experience collaborating with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional leadership.
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Home office set up reimbursement
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
About
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life. Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Astrolab, Inc. Hawthorne, California, USA Office
Hawthorne, CA, United States
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Hardware • Logistics • Robotics • Software • Transportation
Own aircraft loads and dynamics analysis, define vehicle load requirements, perform structural and multibody simulations, evaluate strength and fatigue, and lead dynamic testing from preparation through model correlation. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to guide aircraft design and performance decisions. Develop analysis tools, processes, and standards while mentoring engineers. The role includes hands-on work in wind tunnels, vibration labs, flight tests, and field environments.
Top Skills:
FemapFinite Element AnalysisHarmonic Vibration AnalysisMatlabMultibody SimulationNastranNastran Sol144PythonRandom Vibration AnalysisRcasSiemens SimcenterStructural DynamicsZaeroZona
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Lead and execute flight test planning and execution for loads and dynamics, including test plans, safety and schedules, control room support, data analysis, anomaly resolution, and coordination with design, maintenance, contractors, and customers to verify aircraft structure, loads, and flutter performance.
Top Skills:
Integrated Analysis & Data System (Iads)MatlabMS Office
Aerospace
Develop and communicate structural loads and environments for spacecraft and payloads. Create and correlate finite element and Craig-Bampton models, perform vibroacoustic and dynamic analyses, support test measurement and interpretation, maintain loads data books, and collaborate across disciplines to verify designs and perform trade studies.
Top Skills:
AdamsAnsysCraig-BamptonFinite Element ModelingFortranHigh Performance ComputingHypermeshImat (Matlab Toolbox)LsdynaMatlabNastran DmapPythonSea+Vibroacoustic AnalysisWave6
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
