Dynamics Environment Analysis Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a Dynamics/Environment Analysis Engineer to join our engineering team. This role focuses on predicting, characterizing, and validating the dynamic environments for SRMs and Rockets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural dynamics, vibration, shock, acoustics, and environmental testing, with the ability to translate analytical and test results into practical design recommendations.

The engineer will work closely with structural, mechanical, systems, test, manufacturing, and customer teams to ensure components and integrated systems meet performance, reliability, and qualification requirements. Experience with composite structures, high-temperature materials, propulsion systems, or aerospace hardware is a plus.

• Perform structural dynamics analyses using finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar
• Conduct modal, normalmodes, frequencyresponse, randomvibration, sinevibration, transientresponse, and shockresponse analyses
• Develop and evaluate power spectral density, shockresponse spectrum, and acceleration response predictions
• Predict and characterize mechanical, vibration, acoustic, and shock environments for components and integrated systems
• Develop componentlevel design, acceptance, and qualification environments based on systemlevel requirements and analytical predictions
• Perform dynamic model reduction, subsystem integration, and coupledloads analyses as required
• Assess dynamic amplification, damping, structural resonance, fatigue, and loadpath behavior
• Support design reviews with analysisdriven recommendations for structural configuration, stiffness, isolation, damping, and component placement
• Develop test requirements, instrumentation plans, sensor locations, control strategies, and dataacquisition requirements
• Support modal, vibration, acoustic, mechanicalshock, and environmental qualification testing
• Process and interpret timehistory and frequencydomain test data
• Correlate finite element models and analytical predictions with component and systemlevel test results
• Perform pretest predictions, testresponse limiting assessments, and posttest data evaluations
• Support anomaly investigations, rootcause analyses, and correctiveaction activities
• Support nonconformances during prototype development, qualification, and manufacturing
• Perform trade studies involving structural configurations, isolation systems, damping treatments, and environmental margins
• Develop analysis reports, test plans, test reports, technical presentations, and design justification packages
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and crossfunctional teams regarding dynamic environments, test requirements, and structural performance
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in structural dynamics, vibration, shock, acoustics, loads, or environmental analysis
• Proficiency with FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or equivalent
• Experience performing modal, frequencyresponse, randomvibration, transientresponse, or shock analyses
• Strong understanding of structural dynamics, resonance, damping, load paths, and vibrationresponse principles
• Experience processing and interpreting timehistory, frequencyresponse, power spectral density, and shockresponse spectrum data
• Working knowledge of environmental testing methods, instrumentation, sensors, and dataacquisition systems
• Experience correlating analytical models with test data
• Ability to define assumptions, evaluate margins, identify technical risks, and communicate actionable recommendations
• Strong analytical and problemsolving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• 10+ years of experience in structural dynamics or environmental analysis
• Experience with aerospace, defense, launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, propulsion, or other highperformance systems
• Experience with coupledloads analysis, component mode synthesis, or dynamic model reduction
• Familiarity with pretest analysis, force limiting, notching, and testresponse limiting
• Experience planning or supporting shaker, modal, acoustic, and mechanicalshock testing
• Experience with thermal or thermalstructural testing
• Experience with vibrationcontrol and testdata systems such as Siemens Simcenter Testlab, Dewesoft, Crystal Instruments, or equivalent
• Knowledge of environmental test standards and guidance, including MILSTD810, NASA GEVS, or applicable aerospace and defense requirements
• Experience with fatigue, fracture, damage tolerance, or durability assessments under dynamic loading
• Familiarity with composite structures, hightemperature materials, thermal protection systems, or propulsion hardware
• Knowledge of vibroacoustics, acoustic fatigue, or fluidstructure interaction
• Experience developing design, acceptance, and qualification environments from test, flight, or analytical data
• Programming or scripting skills using Python or MATLAB for analysis automation and data processing
• Experience with uncertainty quantification, statistical tolerance limits, or environmental margin development
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one
ITAR Requirements

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., a 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.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position requires mobility across manufacturing, testing, machine shop, and outdoor test environments. Duties may include walking, climbing, lifting up to 25 pounds, and working in high-hazard areas with appropriate PPE. Personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, flame-resistant clothing, and respiratory protection may be required based on task demands. The role may involve varying work hours including early mornings, nights, or weekends to support operations or facility maintenance activities.

Security Clearance

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship and ability to meet federal requirements for access to sensitive information.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace
• 100% employerpaid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% for dependents on select plans
• Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage
• Employee Assistance Program including counseling, legal services, and wellness resources
• Flexible 9/80 work schedule option
• Onsite snacks and refreshments
• Mentorship opportunities and involvement in advanced aerospace projects

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics.