Structural Dynamics Engineer, Missile Defense (III to Staff)

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

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
  
  

YOUR MISSION

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and validation of missile defense structural systems to ensure survivability and performance under dynamic environments, including launch and mission operations.
• Perform detailed structural dynamics stress analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations.
• Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs) of missile defense structures and subsystems, ensuring accuracy in predicting dynamic behavior.
• Define and lead dynamic testing campaigns, including vibration, shock, and acoustic testing, to verify structural integrity and correlate models with test results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering, to ensure dynamic requirements are integrated into the design process.
• Provide expertise in structural dynamics during trade studies, design reviews, and critical decision-making processes.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 6 years of experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as FEMAP/NASTRAN or HyperWorks/OptiStruct.
• Proficiency with missile-specific structural dynamics challenges, such as aerothermal loading.
• Experience in missile defense dynamic environments, including launch loads, aero loads, vibration, and shock.
• Proficiency in missile defense – specific structural analysis concerns such as thin wall buckling, pressure vessel burst, and safe-life/damage-tolerance assessment.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material properties, and failure modes in aerospace applications.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing, including random, sine, and sine burst vibration.
  
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience working with lightweight structures, composites, and advanced materials.
• Experience with spacecraft-specific structural dynamics challenges, such as coupled loads analysis and dynamic coupling between subsystems.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, such as SolidWorks/NX for integrating FEMs with detailed vehicle assembly models – Teamcenter for PLM.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation for dynamic testing, including accelerometers, strain gauges, and data acquisition systems.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing including shock and acoustic tests.
• Demonstrated experience with full program life cycle (capture to launch).
  
  

Compensation

• California Base Salary: $130,000-$285,000
• Colorado Base Salary: $125,000-$275,000
• 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—this a fully onsite position based out of our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office.
• Work environment—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.

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.