Multi-Body Dynamics Engineer (Multiple Levels)

Job Description

Job Description

Onyx Aerospace is seeking Multi-Body Dynamics Engineers at multiple experience levels to support advanced aerospace, defense, and national security programs involving missile systems, launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, and other mission-critical mechanical systems.

These positions focus on the development, analysis, validation, and application of multi-body dynamic models to evaluate the kinematic and dynamic performance of complex aerospace systems. Engineers will work closely with structures, loads and dynamics, mechanisms, controls, systems engineering, and test organizations to support the design, development, verification, and qualification of next-generation aerospace and defense platforms.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in rigid body dynamics, mechanical system simulation, and model validation, with hands-on experience using MSC ADAMS® or equivalent multi-body dynamics software.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling

• Develop detailed multi-body dynamics models of aerospace systems, mechanisms, and structural assemblies using MSC ADAMS® or equivalent simulation tools.
• Perform rigid body kinematic and dynamic analyses to evaluate system performance under operational and environmental loading conditions.
• Analyze complex mechanisms including deployment systems, actuation systems, payload interfaces, launch support equipment, and vehicle subsystems.
• Evaluate system motion, loads, accelerations, contact behavior, and dynamic interactions.

Model Development & Validation

• Develop analytical models from engineering drawings, CAD models, and design requirements.
• Correlate analytical models with laboratory, qualification, and flight test data.
• Refine models to improve prediction accuracy and support verification and validation activities.
• Document modeling assumptions, methodologies, and validation results.

Engineering Analysis

• Support design trade studies involving:
  • Mechanical architectures
  • Mechanism performance
  • Dynamic stability
  • Shock and vibration response
  • Deployment sequencing
  • Separation events
  • Structural interaction
• Perform sensitivity studies and evaluate design margins.

Documentation

• Prepare technical reports, engineering memoranda, presentations, and customer deliverables.
• Maintain configuration control of analysis models and supporting documentation.

Experience Levels

Multi-Body Dynamics Engineer

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience performing rigid body kinematics and dynamic simulation.
• Minimum 3 years of experience using MSC ADAMS® or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-body dynamics analyses on complex aerospace or defense programs.
• Experience coordinating analyses across multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
• Experience supporting customer technical reviews and design certification activities.
• Provides technical mentorship to junior engineers.

Senior Multi-Body Dynamics Engineer

• Minimum 8 years of aerospace or defense dynamics analysis experience.
• Recognized technical expert in rigid body dynamics, mechanisms, and system simulation.
• Leads development of advanced modeling methodologies and simulation approaches.
• Provides technical leadership for major engineering efforts involving dynamic system performance.
• Supports proposal development, customer engagement, and strategic technical planning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Aerospace Engineering (preferred)
  • Mechanical Engineering (preferred)
  • Structural Engineering
  • Or closely related engineering discipline
• Minimum 4 years of professional engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing:
  • Rigid body kinematics
  • Multi-body dynamics simulations
  • Mechanical system performance analysis
• Experience using:
  • MSC ADAMS® or equivalent multi-body dynamics software
• Experience developing and validating analytical models using experimental or test data.
• Proficiency with:
  • MATLAB®
  • Python
  • Engineering scripting and automation tools
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance .

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting:
  • Missile systems
  • National security space programs
  • Launch vehicle development
  • Strategic deterrence systems
  • Spacecraft deployment systems
  • Defense research and development programs
• Experience with:
  • Flexible body dynamics
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Loads and dynamics
  • Mechanism design
  • Structural dynamics
• Familiarity with:
  • MSC ADAMS
  • NASTRAN
  • Abaqus
  • Simpack
  • RecurDyn
• Active Secret clearance or higher.

Additional Information

Specific assignments and technical responsibilities will be based on the selected candidate's experience, technical expertise, and customer program requirements.

This position may support programs contingent upon customer funding or contract award. Candidates must be able to satisfy applicable export control requirements, background investigations, and customer security requirements.