Freelance Structural Dynamics Engineer Jobs in Texas

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. 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 a Structural Dynamics Engineer -Spacecraft to own analysis, modeling, verification, and validation of spacecraft dynamic environments and structural responses. This role focuses on random vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads analysis to ensure spacecraft structural integrity and mission success under launch and spaceflight conditions.

You will collaborate with structures, mechanisms, thermal, and systems teams throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle. The level of responsibility, independence, and technical leadership will be scaled according to the candidates experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Responsibilities

• Perform structural dynamics analysis including modal, frequency response, and random vibration simulations of spacecraft structures and components
• Support definition and verification of dynamic environments (random vibration, shock, and acoustics)
• Conduct test-analysis correlation using vibration, acoustic, and shock test data
• Contribute to environmental test planning, instrumentation recommendations, and post-test data review
• Analyze component-level responses (solar arrays, antennas, mechanisms, payloads) under dynamic loads
• Deliver clear technical documentation and presentations

Senior-Level Responsibilities (in addition to Core)

• Independently derive random vibration and shock environments using flight data, SMC-S-016, NASA-SP-8072, numerical simulation and empirical methods
• Develop and deliver Craig-Bampton reduced-order models in Nastran for coupled loads analysis (CLA) with launch vehicle providers
• Apply frequency-based substructuring (FBS) to integrate test and analysis models
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers
• Lead anomaly resolution and risk reduction activities during integration and test campaigns
• Interface directly with launch vehicle teams on spacecraft-side CLA requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structural dynamics
• Fundamental understanding of structural dynamics principles
• Demonstrated experience with Craig-Bampton model reduction and coupled loads analysis
• Proven track record deriving dynamic environments and supporting environmental testing
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and influencing cross-functional design decisions
• Proficiency in Nastran/Femap (or equivalent finite element tools)
• Experience with Python (pandas, numpy, scipy) or MATLAB for data processing and analysis
• Solid understanding of signal processing concepts (FFT, PSD, filtering, etc.)

Desired

• Masters degree in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Experience with Wave6, Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or other specialized dynamics tools
• Knowledge of launch vehicle interface loads and CLA processes
• Exposure to frequency-based substructuring (FBS)
• Familiarity with spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, acoustic, shock)
• Experience with Git/version control
• Passion for spaceflight and spacecraft development

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

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., 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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.