1

Structural Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Structural Dynamics Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Structural Dynamics Engineer Department: Vehicle Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $120,000 - $180,000 / year Description As a Structural Dynamics Engineer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Structural Dynamics information

See salary details

$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do structural dynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural dynamics in the United States is $99,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Structural Dynamics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Structural Dynamics often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling complex structures, managing the effects of dynamic loads, and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards. Addressing these issues typically involves staying up to date with the latest simulation software, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams (such as civil engineers and architects), and continuously expanding technical knowledge through professional development. Open communication and teamwork are crucial when solving unexpected dynamic responses or integrating new materials into structural designs.

What is structural dynamics?

Structural dynamics is the study of how structures respond to loads that change with time, such as wind, earthquakes, or moving vehicles. It involves analyzing and predicting the behavior of buildings, bridges, and other structures when subjected to dynamic forces to ensure safety and performance. Professionals in this field use mathematical models and simulations to understand vibrations, resonance, and potential failure modes. This knowledge is crucial for designing structures that can withstand unpredictable or extreme events.

What is the difference between Structural Dynamics vs Structural Analysis?

AspectStructural DynamicsStructural Analysis
FocusStudy of structures under dynamic loads like earthquakes and windAssessment of structures under static or steady loads
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, possibly specialized training in dynamicsEngineering degree, often with structural analysis certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, consulting firms, construction sitesDesign offices, consulting firms, construction sites
Industry UsageEarthquake engineering, aerospace, civil engineeringBuilding design, infrastructure projects, safety assessments

Structural Dynamics focuses on how structures respond to dynamic forces like earthquakes, while Structural Analysis evaluates how structures bear static loads. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across civil engineering and construction industries, but their applications differ based on the type of loads considered.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Dynamics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Dynamics Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or civil engineering, with expertise in vibration analysis, finite element modeling, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in technical tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, and other simulation software, along with knowledge of industry codes and possibly a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of complex structures in applications like aerospace, automotive, and civil infrastructure.
More about Structural Dynamics jobs
What cities are hiring for Structural Dynamics jobs? Cities with the most Structural Dynamics job openings:
What states have the most Structural Dynamics jobs? States with the most job openings for Structural Dynamics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Structural Dynamics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Structural Dynamics Engineer

Structural Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Structural Dynamics and Environments Department is seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Sr. Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering). Our mission is to provide to our internal and external customers the highest quality technical expertise in the areas of analytical, experimental, flexible, and rigid body dynamics for the design, development, acquisition, and operation of space launch and orbital systems. We specialize in spacecraft and launch vehicle dynamics; mode survey test planning and independent data assessment; time series data analysis; independent integrated spacecraft/launch vehicle coupled loads analysis; and flexible system separation analysis and testing.
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., allowing for one day a week working remotely.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Perform structural dynamic analyses and evaluations of launch vehicle and spacecraft loads for all phases of flight
  • Develop simulation tools and processes to solve structural dynamics problems
  • Assemble coupled system models across a variety of launch vehicles and spacecrafts
  • Evaluate analytical predictions versus flight sensor data to develop recommendations to improve loads analysis methods
  • Plan and oversee the execution of mode survey testing for various launch vehicle and space vehicle components, including test data quality verification and finite element model correlation to test data
  • Conduct analyses and investigations to solve a broad range of structural dynamics problems requiring advanced treatment and/or coordination within the department and other technical disciplines
  • Provide technical support and expertise to program offices and external customers in the discipline of structural dynamics
  • Mentor peers and less experienced team members

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
  • 6 years applicable professional or educational experience
  • Experience with finite-element model development techniques and software
  • Knowledge of classical vibration and transient response analysis theory
  • Sound knowledge of Linear Algebra and its application in structural dynamic computations
  • Knowledge of numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, and digital signal processing techniques and their application to structural dynamics problems
  • Experience with telemetry data processing and post-flight analysis
  • Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately ~5%, as required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist- Aeronautical and Aerospace Structural Engineering are:
  • 10 years of total applicable professional or educational experience
  • Prior experience with leading teams or performing project management roles

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Advanced degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or similar field with related coursework in structural dynamics
  • Experience with high frequency data acquisition and signal processing
  • Skilled with mode survey and other dynamic testing
  • Knowledge of component-mode synthesis techniques and finite-element analysis programs, especially experience with Nastran and DMAP programming
  • Software development experience in Fortran and Python including best practices

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.