Principal Dynamics Engineer

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

We are looking for an experienced Loads and Dynamics Engineer to help with analyzing all aspects of the dynamic loading and response of launch vehicles, payloads, spacecraft, and landers. This will include the lower frequency load cases of Coupled Loads Analyses (CLA) as well as the higher frequency analyses associated with dynamic environments (shock and vibration

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of random vibration and shock analysis methods and best practices for both launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Create finite element models (FEM) of launch vehicles, payloads, spacecraft, and landers
• Develop and apply the forcing functions for all flight events, including aerodynamic loads (gust, buffet, etc.), TVC, and separation events
• Perform dynamic analysis using classical techniques and Simcenter/Nastran (modal, frequency response, random, SRS, transient)
• Performing signal analysis of test and flight data
• Develop and document scripts for postprocessing analysis results using MATLAB / Python
• Develop vibroacoustic models and perform associated analysis for launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Provide guidance for dynamics related testing and vehicle instrumentation
• Document analyses and standardize documentation methods
• Centralize communication of MPEs and qual/acceptance levels for customer teams

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in structural dynamics, vibration, and/or launch vehicle dynamic analysis
• Proficient with performing analytical simulations in software such as NASTRAN, Simcenter 3D, MATLAB, Python
• Ability to solve a variety of static and dynamic structural problems using physics-based analytical methods (hand calculations, in-house tools, and 3rd party commercial analytical tools)
• Proficiency with signal analysis and processing in both time and frequency domains
• Experience with vibration and shock testing, from writing test plans, execution, and interpretation of results
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring a cross-functional team

DESIRED

• Master's Degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in structural dynamics, vibration, and/or launch vehicle dynamic analysis
• Finite Element Model reduction and integration using Component Mode Synthesis (e.g., Craig-Bampton)
• Experience with coupled loads analysis on launch vehicles
• Experience with launch vehicle dynamic environments analysis (Damage Based Analysis, MaxiMax, SRS, etc.)
• Experience with modal testing and modal correlation
• Familiarity with relevant SMC / Range / NASA standards for analysis and test
• Experience with use of test / flight data to verify FEM results
• Experience with instrumentation (Accelerometers, Strain Gauges, pressure transducers etc.), and data acquisition 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.