Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer

True Anomaly
Denver +1 more
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at experienced structural dynamics engineers who excel in FEA tools and cross-disciplinary collaboration, with a preference for candidates familiar with spacecraft mechanisms and precision pointing applications in the aerospace or defense domain.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 5+ years of structural dynamics analysis experience in aerospace or defense systems
    — “5+ years of professional experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications”
  • Individuals who have worked on finite element models and test correlation for spacecraft mechanisms
    — “Define and support dynamic test campaigns including modal surveys, sine sweep, random vibration, and shock testing; correlate FEM predictions with test data”
  • Engineers with a background in modal analysis, random vibration, and shock response spectrum (SRS) techniques
    — “Experience with modal analysis, random vibration, shock response spectrum (SRS), and frequency response analysis”

Things to consider

  • Some on-site work is required despite a hybrid work environment
    — “While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.”
  • TS//SCI clearance is necessary, which may require prior eligibility or background checks
    — “Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with dynamics analysis for precision pointing systems in your resume and interviews
    — “Experience with spacecraft mechanism or actuation system dynamics, including jitter analysis and disturbance budgeting for precision pointing applications”
  • Showcase your ability to translate complex analysis into actionable design guidance
    — “Translate analysis results into clear design recommendations and margin assessments, driving design changes where needed”
  • Emphasize your cross-functional collaboration experience with GNC and systems engineering teams
    — “Ability to work cross-functionally with mechanical design, GNC, and systems engineering teams”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developed and maintained finite element models
  • executed modal, random vibration, shock, and frequency response analyses
  • translated analysis results into clear design recommendations
Typical background
deep analytical expertisehands-on approach to test correlation

Skills & requirements

Required

Structural Dynamics AnalysisFinite Element ModelsModal AnalysisRandom VibrationShock ResponseFrequency ResponseTest CorrelationMechanical EngineeringGNCSystems Engineering

Stack & domain

Finite Element ModelsModal AnalysisRandom VibrationShock ResponseFrequency ResponseQuasi-static Load AnalysisMechanismsActuation SystemsLaunch Load EnvironmentsOn-orbit DisturbancePointing StabilitySpacecraft EngineeringMechanical EngineeringGNCSystems EngineeringTest CorrelationDynamic Test CampaignsModal SurveysSine SweepShock TestingAnalysis DocumentationMechanism Trade StudiesDesign ReviewsQualification ActivitiesDynamics Analysis InputsMentor Junior EngineersContinuous ImprovementSpacecraftStructural Dynamics

About the role

Original posting from True Anomaly via Greenhouse

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.

What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.

It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

BENEFITS & PERKS*

Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options

Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave

Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees

And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays

Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.

*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles

YOUR MISSION

True Anomaly is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer to join our Mechanisms team, reporting to the Mechanisms Engineering Manager. In this role, you will be the technical authority for structural dynamics analysis across our spacecraft mechanism and actuation systems — from launch load environments through on-orbit disturbance and pointing stability. You will develop and own finite element models, execute modal, random vibration, shock, and frequency response analyses, and translate results into actionable design guidance for the mechanisms and broader spacecraft engineering teams. You bring deep analytical expertise, a hands-on approach to test correlation, and the ability to work fluidly across mechanical, GNC, and systems engineering disciplines to ensure our hardware performs reliably from the pad to orbit. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, maintain, and validate finite element models (FEMs) for spacecraft mechanism and actuation system components and assemblies 

Perform structural dynamics analyses including modal analysis, frequency response, random vibration, shock response, and quasi-static load analysis across launch and on-orbit environments 

Develop and maintain mechanism-level disturbance models, including jitter and vibration disturbance budgets, and assess impacts on pointing stability and spacecraft performance 

Collaborate with the GNC team to characterize and mitigate dynamic disturbances from actuation systems affecting attitude control and pointing accuracy 

Define and support dynamic test campaigns including modal surveys, sine sweep, random vibration, and shock testing; correlate FEM predictions with test data 

Translate analysis results into clear design recommendations and margin assessments, driving design changes where needed 

Support mechanism trade studies, design reviews, and qualification activities with dynamics analysis inputs 

Develop and maintain analysis documentation including model descriptions, analysis reports, and test correlation records 

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of structural dynamics processes and tools 

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred) 

5+ years of professional experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications 

Demonstrated proficiency with FEA tools for structural dynamics (NASTRAN, ANSYS, or equivalent) 

Experience with modal analysis, random vibration, shock response spectrum (SRS), and frequency response analysis 

Familiarity with launch vehicle interface requirements and coupled loads analysis processes 

Experience supporting or interpreting dynamic environmental test campaigns and correlating results with FEM predictions 

Ability to work cross-functionally with mechanical design, GNC, and systems engineering teams 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Experience with spacecraft mechanism or actuation system dynamics, including jitter analysis and disturbance budgeting for precision pointing applications 

Familiarity with GNC interface requirements and the impact of structural dynamics on attitude control performance 

Experience with coupled loads analysis (CLA) and launch vehicle ICD compliance 

Knowledge of fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis methods 

Familiarity with test-analysis correlation methods and model updating techniques 

Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for post-processing and automating analysis workflows 

Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting 

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $135,000 - $200,000  

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

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, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance

Work Location: Successful candidates will be located near our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA locations. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site. 

Work Enviornment: the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.

Physical Demands: the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.  

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite 

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.

To protect candidates and our company from application fraud and impersonation, we use third-party tools to verify applicant identity and detect fraudulent applications. Learn more in our Privacy Notice.

Source: True Anomaly careers (Greenhouse)

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