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Structural Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Own development of vehicle loads, structural dynamics, and multibody dynamics analyses from early architecture through hardware realization * Define and mature load cases and dynamic environments ...

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Senior Structural and Dynamics Engineer

Westminster, CO · Hybrid

$101K - $137K/yr

Vantor is hiring a Senior Structural and Dynamics Engineer to join our Spacewrx Satellite Systems Engineering team in Westminster, CO. The Satellite Systems Engineering teamis responsible for ...

Senior Dynamics Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Own development of vehicle loads, structural dynamics, and multibody dynamics analyses from early architecture through hardware realization * Define and mature load cases and dynamic environments ...

Showing results 41-60

Structural Dynamics information

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$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do structural dynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior structural engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in specialized areas such as seismic design or large-scale infrastructure can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, consulting positions, or work in high-cost-of-living regions, especially when combined with overtime or project bonuses.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior structural engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in areas like seismic design or project management can earn salaries of $200,000 or more annually. Such roles often require leadership responsibilities, working on large-scale projects, and proficiency with engineering software like SAP2000 or ETABS.

What does a structural dynamics engineer do?

A structural dynamics engineer analyzes how structures respond to dynamic forces such as earthquakes, wind, and vibrations. They use computational tools and testing to assess structural stability and safety, often working with finite element analysis software and adhering to engineering standards. Their work helps ensure buildings, bridges, and other structures can withstand dynamic loads throughout their lifespan.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer -- Structural Dynamics Analyst

E-Space

Saratoga, CA

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
 
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of space-powered Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are fundamentally changing the design, economics, manufacturing, coverage limitations and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
 
By building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system—with a unique antenna design, highly sustainable spacecraft system and low-cost, small portable end-user devices—we can extend global satellite coverage, capacity and connectivity beyond legacy space services to provide a new kind of IoT platform that lets users sense, track, connect and act on information gathered, anywhere.
 
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to saving space, protecting our planet and turning connectivity into actionable intelligence.

As a Mechanical Engineer — Structural Dynamics Analyst, you will be responsible for ensuring the structural integrity and survivability of spacecraft internal components and sensitive sub-systems. You will lead structural and dynamic analyses across the full launch and flight environment, working closely with design, systems, and test teams to bring rigorous analytical discipline to every phase of development. This is a highly cross-functional role that sits at the intersection of analysis, design, and hardware verification.

This role is based in our Saratoga, CA office.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct structural and modal analyses to ensure the integrity and survivability of spacecraft internal components and sensitive sub-systems across all mission phases.
  • Perform finite element analysis (FEA) using tools such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Femap to evaluate satellite structures for launch environments, including random vibration, sine sweep, shock, and acoustic loading.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical design teams to optimize mass and stiffness trade-offs, providing timely analysis feedback to inform design decisions and margin management.
  • Develop, maintain, and validate finite element models throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring models are representative of the evolving hardware configuration.
  • Correlate analytical models with structural test campaigns or other verification activities that validate structural predictions for the full flight assembly.
  • Define and support structural test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing for launch loads, and provide analysis support during test execution and data review.
  • Generate and maintain structural analysis reports, load budgets, and margin summaries in accordance with project requirements and applicable standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA-STD).
  • Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and present analysis results, assumptions, and conclusions to internal and customer stakeholders.
  • Identify structural risks early and propose mitigation strategies in coordination with systems engineering and project management.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in structural dynamics analysis, preferably in a space, defense, or high-reliability hardware environment.
  • Proficiency in at least one major FEA tool: NASTRAN (MSC or NX), ANSYS, or Femap.
  • Working knowledge of launch load environments: random vibration, sine, shock, and acoustic.
  • Experience developing and running modal analyses and interpreting results in the context of structural qualification requirements.
  • Familiarity with model correlation techniques and test-analysis correlation (TAC) methods.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical results clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands-on involvement in structural test campaigns — sine sweep, random vibration, acoustic, or modal survey testing.
  • Familiarity with composite structures analysis and associated failure criteria.
  • Experience working within a concurrent engineering or agile hardware development environment.
  • Knowledge of thermal-structural interface analysis or multi-physics simulation.
The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position in question, which is based on market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, depth of relevant experience, and other relevant factors. For questions about this, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply for the role and are selected for an interview.
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.
 

Why E-Space is right for you:

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.