Structural Dynamics Engineer I

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive 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 seeking an entry-level Structural Dynamics Engineer to support the analysis, modeling, and verification of launch vehicle dynamic environments. This role focuses on vibration, acoustics, shock, and coupled loads analysis through data processing, analytical derivation, and numerical simulation.

The engineer will work closely with senior analysts, test engineers, and design teams to ensure structural integrity and mission success under dynamic launch and flight conditions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Dynamic Analysis & Simulation

• Perform structural dynamic analyses including:
  • Modal analysis
  • Frequency response
  • Random vibration
  • Shock response
  • Vibro-acoustic loading
• Develop and maintain finite element models (FEM) for launch vehicle structures and subsystems.
• Support coupled loads and transient dynamic analyses.
• Correlate analytical models with test and flight data.

Data Processing & Interpretation

• Process and analyze vibration, acoustic, and structural response data from:
  • Environmental tests
  • Ground tests
  • Flight instrumentation
• Develop scripts and tools for automated data reduction and visualization.
• Generate PSDs, FRFs, transmissibility, and response spectra.
• Identify trends, anomalies, and correlation gaps.

Environment Development & Derivation

• Assist in deriving and validating:
  • Random vibration environments
  • Acoustic environments
  • Shock environments
  • Sine vibration profiles
• Support the development of qualification and acceptance test levels.
• Document assumptions, margins, and uncertainties.

Verification & Test Support

• Support dynamic testing activities including:
  • Modal surveys
  • Vibration tests
  • Acoustic tests
  • Shock tests
• Assist with test planning, instrumentation layouts, and data review.
• Participate in test execution and post-test analysis.

Technical Documentation & Communication

• Prepare technical reports, analysis summaries, and presentations.
• Support design reviews and verification milestones.
• Communicate results clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field.
• 0-2 years of experience in role/industry
• Software/ERP/Computer skills required:
  • Nastran/Femap
  • Python(pandas, numpy, scipy)
  • 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