Manager, Loads & Dynamics

Vast is seeking an experienced and motivated Manager, Loads & Dynamics, reporting to the Senior Director of Structures & Dynamics, to support the development, analysis, and verification of dynamic systems for next-generation human-rated space stations and spacecraft.

The ideal candidate will bring solid technical expertise in spacecraft or launch vehicle dynamics, emerging leadership capabilities, and experience contributing to hardware development in fast-paced aerospace environments.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of Dynamics engineers responsible for loads and environment predictions for spacecraft systems and hardware during transportation, ascent, docking, and on-orbit operations.
• Support execution across multiple phases of the product lifecycle, including concept development, requirements definition, analysis, testing, and verification activities.
• Develop and maintain dynamic models, load cases, and environments to support spacecraft design and integration efforts.
• Derive internal loads and environmental requirements from system-level requirements, including quasi-static, random vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
• Support product teams with vibration and shock requirement tailoring, test planning, and qualification verification activities.
• Build, maintain, and correlate finite element and dynamic prediction models using test data and flight-representative environments.
• Develop post-processing tools and methodologies for dynamic analyses and test data reduction.
• Assess vendor and supplier hardware capabilities against internally generated dynamic predictions and qualification requirements.
• Coordinate with Structures, Propulsion, Thermal, Avionics, GNC, Manufacturing, Test, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure integrated vehicle performance.
• Participate in technical reviews, design trades, and failure investigations related to dynamic environments and structural performance.
• Support spacecraft qualification activities, including vibration, modal, acoustic, and shock testing campaigns.
• Manage day-to-day team priorities, task assignments, and resource allocation aligned with program milestones.
• Provide technical guidance and risk identification support to ensure system performance, reliability, and compliance with verification requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and collaboration.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance modeling accuracy, analysis efficiency, and product quality.
• Coordinate with external suppliers and test facilities to support development and qualification activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of engineering experience in aerospace or other safety-critical industries.
• 1+ years of technical leadership, project leadership, or engineering management experience.
• Experience performing loads and environments prediction, structural dynamics, vibration, acoustic, shock, or coupled systems analyses for aerospace hardware or vehicle systems.
• Solid understanding of structural dynamics fundamentals, finite element methods, and systems integration principles.
• Experience supporting hardware development through multiple phases of the product lifecycle.
• Proficiency with industry-standard analysis tools such as FEMAP/NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent.
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering environments.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience leading small teams or projects focused on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other flight-critical systems.
• Experience supporting aerospace programs through qualification, integration, and testing phases.
• Expertise in modal analysis, quasi-static loads, random vibration, sine vibration, shock, acoustic environments, or transient dynamic response analysis.
• Hands-on experience supporting vibration, acoustic, shock, or modal testing campaigns in laboratory or production environments.
• Experience developing and correlating finite element models using test data.
• Familiarity with coupled loads analysis (CLA), spacecraft dynamic environments, and launch vehicle integration requirements.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft launch load environments and industry standards such as SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000A, and MIL-STD-810.
• Ability to communicate structural dynamic concepts clearly across multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Experience working in fast-paced development and manufacturing environments.
• Passion for advancing the future of human spaceflight and space habitation.