Structural Dynamics Engineer II

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.?

SUMMARY

We are seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer to serve as the domain expert in high-frequency dynamics for launch vehicles and spacecraft. This role focuses on the advanced analysis, modeling, derivation, and verification of complex dynamic environments—including random vibration, shock, acoustics and engine dynamics—through flight data processing, empirical and physics-based methods, and high-fidelity numerical simulation.

The engineer will act as a technical authority, providing leadership and guidance to design, propulsion, test, and structures teams to ensure structural integrity, mitigate dynamic risks, and enable mission success under the extreme conditions of launch and flight.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Dynamic Environment

• random vibration

• Derive levels using flight data as well as duration using SMC-S-016 method and damage based analysis

• Derive lift off random vibration level using NASA-SP8072

• Derive ascent random vibration level using barret method, spann method or other empirical method to support early design cycles

• Applies advanced signal-processing techniques for root-cause analysis and anomaly resolution

• shock

• Derive levels using flight data

• Derive levels using source shock amplitude and transmissibility as well as attenuation

• Serves as recognized authority on shock attenuation and transmissibility mechanisms

• Utilizes vibro-acoustic software to investigate and resolve shock-related phenomena

Engine dynamics

• Leads rotor-dynamics analyses to evaluate pump bearing and impeller blade performance

• Provides technical direction for engine test-stand instrumentation (accelerometers, microphones, pressure transducers, and specialized sensors)

• Processes and interprets engine test data (acceleration, acoustic, and pressure) to support anomaly resolution and design improvements

• Applies flow-induced vibration (FIV) principles to pressurized line-set and component design

• Analyzes acoustic cavities and their coupling effects on engine vibration response

Advanced Structural Dynamics Methods

• Applies frequency-based substructuring (FBS) techniques to integrate test and analysis models

• Develops Craig-Bampton reduced-order models in Nastran for spacecraft delivery to launch-vehicle providers in support of coupled-loads analysis (CLA)

• Defines and implements custom Craig-Bampton reduction processes when standard outputs require custom recovery

Additional Senior-Level Expectations

• Mentors junior and mid-level dynamics engineers and serves as technical authority on high-frequency dynamics issues

• Drives technical risk reduction across programs through independent reviews and trade studies

• Collaborates with propulsion, structures, and test organizations to ensure seamless integration of dynamics requirements and test results

• Presents dynamics analyses and findings to program leadership and external customers

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Education Bachelor’s degree (Master’s or PhD strongly preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Experience 1+ years of progressive experience in structural dynamics, with a strong emphasis on high-frequency dynamic environments for launch vehicles or spacecraft.

• Technical Expertise Deep domain expertise in:

• Random vibration and shock environment derivation (flight data, SMC-S-016, NASA-SP-8072, Barrett/Spann methods, damage-based analysis)

• Rotor dynamics, flow-induced vibration (FIV), and engine acoustics

• Shock transmissibility, attenuation mechanisms, and vibro-acoustic analysis

• Frequency-based substructuring (FBS) and Craig-Bampton model reduction techniques

• Software & Tools Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency in Nastran (including custom Craig-Bampton reduction) and Femap

• Strong programming skills in Python (pandas, numpy, scipy, and signal processing libraries)

• Experience with Wave6 or equivalent vibro-acoustic software

• MATLAB for data analysis and visualization

• Familiarity with Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or similar aerospace dynamics toolsets

• Core Competencies

• Proven ability to independently derive, validate, and defend complex dynamic environments

• Expert-level signal processing for root-cause analysis (FFT, PSD, filtering, windowing, etc.)

• Demonstrated success delivering Craig-Bampton reduced models for coupled loads analysis (CLA) to launch vehicle providers

• Strong technical leadership and mentoring capabilities

• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for program leadership and external customers

Desired

• Master’s or PhD in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

• Direct experience supporting launch vehicle or spacecraft programs (e.g., vibration/acoustics environments, engine dynamics testing, or CLA)

• Experience with test-analysis correlation, environmental testing, and anomaly resolution

• Proficiency in additional tools such as Siemens TestLab, or custom signal-processing scripts

• Track record of providing technical guidance to instrumentation teams and cross-functional design reviews

• Experience with version control (Git) and collaborative development workflows

• Demonstrated ability to drive technical risk reduction and influence design decisions at the system level

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Degree

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Structural Engineering

• or related field

• Years of experience in role/industry

• 10+ years

• Software/ERP/Computer skills required

• Nastran/Femap

• Python(pandas, numpy, scipy)

• Wave6

• MATLAB

• Fundamental understanding of:

• Structural dynamics

• Vibrations

• Modal analysis

• Acoustics

• Familiarity with signal processing concepts:

• FFT

• PSD

• Filtering

• Windowing

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

• Good technical writing skills

• Ability to work in a team environment

• Willingness to learn and take technical ownership

Desired

• Master’s degree in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace, or related field

• Internship or project experience in:

• Launch vehicles

• Spacecraft

• Aerospace structures

• Environmental testing

• Exposure to:

• Vibro-acoustics

• Coupled loads analysis

• Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or similar tools

• Test correlation

• Experience with Git or version control

• High attention to detail

• Strong work ethic

• Curiosity and technical initiative

• Comfort working in fast-paced development environments

• Interest in spaceflight and launch systems

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.