Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Department: Vehicle Engineering

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000 / year

Description

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 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:

Defining and managing 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 Curve
• Model reduction and delivery for coupled loads analyses

Supporting dynamics test setup and analysis for hardware development and verification, along with ownership of test campaigns for dynamics model correlation. Notable test types are:

• Modal survey
• Sine & random vibration
• Acoustic
• Shock
  
  

What you'll bring:

Basic qualifications:

• 2 years of experience in spacecraft dynamics modeling and testing
• Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent additional years of experience in a spacecraft loads & dynamics organization
• Proficiency with NASTRAN FEA solver and associated pre/post software (Femap or similar) for statics & dynamics simulation
• Proficiency with MATLAB for data analysis
• Ability to mentor and develop more junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team

Beneficial skills and experience:

• Applicable advanced degree
• Experience developing specialized analysis tools, e.g. use of Femap API and integrations with MATLAB
• Capability to utilize a combination of analytical calculations, numerical simulation, testing, and engineering judgment to solve dynamics problems
• Ownership of task execution
• Aptitude for managing priorities and operating in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with engineers, technicians, and 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