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Structural Dynamics Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

HDR

Structural Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments ... We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve ...

HDR

Structural Engineer

Bellevue, WA

From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments ... We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsStructural Dynamics Engineer JobsStructural Dynamics Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Structural Dynamics Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$56.9K

$113.1K

$173K

How much do structural dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural dynamics engineer in Seattle, WA is $113,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $128,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Structural Dynamics Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectStructural Dynamics EngineerStructural Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering; often includes coursework in dynamics and vibrationsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering; focus on design and analysis
Work EnvironmentSpecialized analysis, simulations, and testing related to dynamic behavior of structuresDesign, analysis, and inspection of buildings and infrastructure
Industry UsageUsed in projects requiring dynamic analysis, such as earthquake or wind load assessmentsUsed broadly across construction, infrastructure, and building projects

The main difference is that a Structural Dynamics Engineer specializes in analyzing how structures respond to dynamic forces like earthquakes and wind, while a Structural Engineer focuses on the overall design and safety of structures. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus areas and project types.

What are some common challenges a Structural Dynamics Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Structural Dynamics Engineers often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as aerodynamics, materials science, and systems engineering. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex dynamic analysis results to team members who may not share the same technical background. Balancing different project requirements and ensuring that structural solutions integrate smoothly with other systems can require strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Regular meetings and clear documentation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

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 strong background in mechanical or civil engineering, with expertise in vibration analysis, structural mechanics, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ANSYS, MATLAB, and finite element analysis (FEA) software, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards, is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex concepts to stakeholders. Mastery of these skills enables accurate prediction and mitigation of structural responses, ensuring safety and reliability in engineering projects.

What are structural dynamics engineers?

Structural dynamics engineers are professionals who analyze and design structures to withstand dynamic loads, such as vibrations, earthquakes, wind, and other time-dependent forces. They use advanced mathematical models and simulations to predict how structures like buildings, bridges, aircraft, and vehicles will respond to these forces. Their work ensures that structures are safe, efficient, and meet regulatory standards for dynamic performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Structural Dynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Dynamics Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,120 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (Loads and Dynamics)

Starcloud

Redmond, WA • On-site

$105K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:
Starcloud is building a network of data centers in space, starting at kilowatts and scaling to gigawatt capacity. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, radiative cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our team, push the boundaries of the space economy, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of energy.
Position Overview
As a Loads and Dynamics Engineer at Starcloud, you will be responsible for low- and high-frequency loads, vibration, shock, and dynamic environments for Starcloud spacecraft during ground transportation, launch, deployment, and on-orbit operations.
This role is highly hands-on and spans analysis, test planning, hardware instrumentation, test execution, data processing, and model correlation. You will work closely with mechanical, mechanisms, structures, thermal, avionics, and integration teams to ensure Starcloud's space-based data centers can survive launch, deploy reliably, and operate safely in orbit.
The ideal candidate has strong intuition in the frequency domain, solid analytical and software skills, and a bias toward building, testing, and iterating quickly.
Key Responsibilities
Loads, Dynamics, and Structural Analysis
  • Resolve spacecraft dynamics problems through analysis, test, and model correlation.
  • Develop and maintain finite element models for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, deployable solar arrays, deployable radiators, and related hardware.
  • Perform dynamic analyses for launch, transportation, deployment, and on-orbit operational environments.
  • Analyze vibration, shock, acoustic, transient, modal, and forcing-function environments.
  • Support stress, fatigue, stability, and margin analyses where needed to improve spacecraft reliability.
  • Use commercial and in-house tools to perform analysis, and develop new tools where existing methods are insufficient.
Testing and Validation
  • Own dynamic testing from start to finish, including pre-test analysis, test planning, sensor selection, instrumentation, setup, execution, data processing, and post-test reporting.
  • Plan and execute vibration, modal, shock, and other environmental tests for spacecraft hardware.
  • Process and interpret test data using signal processing techniques.
  • Correlate test results with analytical models and update models as needed.
  • Define qualification and acceptance test approaches for flight hardware.
  • Produce clear test reports, analysis documentation, and recommendations for design improvements.
Tooling and Cross-Functional Engineering
  • Build scripts, analysis pipelines, databases, and internal tools to improve speed and quality of dynamics work.
  • Work with design engineers to identify and resolve structural or dynamic risks early in the design cycle.
  • Support trades across mass, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, schedule, reliability, and performance.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, integration, and test teams to ensure hardware is designed for efficient build and qualification.
  • Contribute to fast design iteration for large lightweight deployable spacecraft structures.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 4+ years of experience in dynamics, structural analysis, mechanical testing, or hands-on aerospace hardware development.
  • Experience analyzing test data, building hardware, or supporting mechanical qualification of flight or launch vehicle systems.
  • Strong analytical fundamentals in vibrations, structural dynamics, mechanics, and frequency-domain analysis.
  • Experience with finite element modeling or structural analysis tools.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience with vibration, modal, acoustic, or shock testing.
  • Experience with Ansys, NX, or similar analysis and tools.
  • Experience building, correlating, and validating finite element models.
  • Working knowledge of strength, stability, fatigue, and failure mechanisms.
  • Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, satellite, or deployable space structures.
  • Experience with large lightweight structures, deployable solar arrays, deployable radiators, or spacecraft mechanisms.
  • Strong software skills for analysis automation, data processing, signal processing, or internal tool development.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-moving hardware development environment.
Compensation and Benefits
Annual salary:
L1: $105,000 - $140,000
L2: $140,000 - $190,000
L3: $170,000 - $215,000
Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
  • Stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • Life insurance.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, and level.
Additional Requirements:
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Starcloud is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.
Join Starcloud and shape the future!
Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to solving the global energy challenge. Apply today to join our visionary team dedicated to innovation and advancing humanity.
We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.

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