What are the responsibilities and job description for the Rotordynamics Engineer position at Approach Venture?
Rotordynamics Engineer – Build High-Speed Space Propulsion & Advanced Rotating Systems!
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A fast-growing, venture-backed space technology startup with active government contracts is seeking a Rotordynamics Engineer to design, analyze, and validate high-speed rotating systems critical to next-generation space platforms. This role will own the dynamics of turbines, shafts, bearings, and ultra-high-RPM components operating in extreme environments including vacuum, thermal gradients, and long-duration missions. You’ll work hands-on across design, simulation, testing, and iteration — shaping everything from advanced bearing systems to rapidly rotating blades and motor-driven assemblies. This is an opportunity to build foundational rotating machinery capabilities at an early-stage company developing breakthrough space systems with real customer traction and aggressive growth plans.
About Us
We are a mission-driven space systems startup developing novel propulsion and high-performance mechanical platforms for operation in extreme orbital environments. Backed by experienced engineers and industry leaders, and supported by multiple government programs, our team is building hardware that pushes the limits of efficiency, reliability, and speed in space. Our culture values technical ownership, fast iteration, and engineering rigor — with every team member directly shaping flight-critical systems.
Job Duties
$120,000 - $180,000
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A fast-growing, venture-backed space technology startup with active government contracts is seeking a Rotordynamics Engineer to design, analyze, and validate high-speed rotating systems critical to next-generation space platforms. This role will own the dynamics of turbines, shafts, bearings, and ultra-high-RPM components operating in extreme environments including vacuum, thermal gradients, and long-duration missions. You’ll work hands-on across design, simulation, testing, and iteration — shaping everything from advanced bearing systems to rapidly rotating blades and motor-driven assemblies. This is an opportunity to build foundational rotating machinery capabilities at an early-stage company developing breakthrough space systems with real customer traction and aggressive growth plans.
About Us
We are a mission-driven space systems startup developing novel propulsion and high-performance mechanical platforms for operation in extreme orbital environments. Backed by experienced engineers and industry leaders, and supported by multiple government programs, our team is building hardware that pushes the limits of efficiency, reliability, and speed in space. Our culture values technical ownership, fast iteration, and engineering rigor — with every team member directly shaping flight-critical systems.
Job Duties
- Lead rotordynamic design and analysis for high-speed rotating components including turbines, shafts, impellers, and motor-driven assemblies
- Design and evaluate bearing systems including rolling element bearings, fluid film bearings, and magnetic bearing technologies
- Perform stability, critical speed, vibration, and resonance analyses using analytical methods and simulation tools
- Develop models for operation in vacuum, thermal extremes, and long-life space environments
- Partner with mechanical, propulsion, and electrical teams to integrate rotating systems into full space platforms
- Own test planning and execution including spin testing, vibration characterization, and failure analysis
- Drive design iterations based on test data and performance requirements
- Support reliability, lifetime prediction, and risk mitigation for mission-critical hardware
- 3 years of experience in rotordynamics, rotating machinery, or high-speed mechanical systems
- Strong background in vibration analysis, critical speed modeling, and system stability
- Experience designing or analyzing bearing systems (rolling element, fluid, or magnetic)
- Hands-on experience with rotating hardware in high-RPM environments
- Proficiency with relevant simulation and analysis tools (ANSYS, MATLAB, DyRoBeS, or similar)
- Solid mechanical engineering fundamentals (dynamics, materials, thermal effects, structural behavior)
- Background in aerospace, space systems, propulsion, turbomachinery, vacuum systems, or high-performance electric motors
- Experience with turbines, compressors, jet engines, or high-speed industrial rotating equipment
- Exposure to space environment design constraints (vacuum lubrication, thermal cycling, long-life operation)
- Test development experience for high-speed rotating systems
- Startup or rapid development environment experience
- Work on real flight hardware backed by government programs and commercial demand
- Own critical technology areas from concept through testing and deployment
- Build foundational rotating systems capability at a rapidly scaling space company
- Collaborate with a high-caliber engineering team pushing technical boundaries
- High-impact role with strong growth and leadership potential
$120,000 - $180,000
Salary : $120,000 - $180,000