Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer

About this role

Apex seeks an experienced Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer to lead dynamic analysis and structural verification for commercial satellite buses. You'll predict and validate vehicle behavior across all flight phases, collaborating with structures, test, and systems teams to ensure robustness against vibration, shock, and coupled loads.

What you'll do

• Own dynamic and loads analysis for components, subsystems, and full spacecraft
• Develop load cases and environmental requirements including vibration, shock, and acoustic specifications
• Perform structural dynamics analyses using FEM to evaluate loads, margins, and system behavior
• Plan and execute dynamic test campaigns including vibration and mode survey testing with data correlation
• Build coupled system models across spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces
• Develop internal tools and workflows using Python or MATLAB for simulation and data processing

What they're looking for

• Structural dynamics and loads analysis
• Finite element modeling (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or equivalent)
• Vibration, shock, and transient response analysis
• Python or MATLAB programming
• Test data processing and model correlation
• Linear algebra and numerical methods
• Coupled loads analysis for spacecraft/launch vehicles
• Technical communication across engineering disciplines

Benefits

• Equity ownership in the company
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
• $100k life insurance at no cost
• Fast-growing startup with $500M+ in funding
• High-ownership, collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to mentor junior engineers