SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 135,000 - 200,000 / annual
True Anomaly is seeking a Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer to join the Mechanisms team, reporting to the Mechanisms Engineering Manager. You will serve as the technical authority for structural dynamics analysis across spacecraft mechanism and actuation systems, from launch load environments through on-orbit disturbance and pointing stability.
In this role, you will develop and own finite element models (FEMs), execute modal, random vibration, shock, and frequency response analyses, and translate results into actionable design guidance for mechanisms and broader spacecraft engineering teams. You will work across mechanical design, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and systems engineering disciplines to ensure hardware performs reliably from pad to orbit.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, maintain, and validate FEMs for spacecraft mechanism and actuation system components and assemblies
- Perform structural dynamics analyses including modal analysis, frequency response, random vibration, shock response, and quasi-static load analysis across launch and on-orbit environments
- Develop and maintain mechanism-level disturbance models, including jitter and vibration disturbance budgets, and assess impacts on pointing stability and spacecraft performance
- Collaborate with the GNC team to characterize and mitigate dynamic disturbances from actuation systems affecting attitude control and pointing accuracy
- Define and support dynamic test campaigns including modal surveys, sine sweep, random vibration, and shock testing; correlate FEM predictions with test data
- Translate analysis results into clear design recommendations and margin assessments, driving design changes where needed
- Support mechanism trade studies, design reviews, and qualification activities with dynamics analysis inputs
- Develop and maintain analysis documentation including model descriptions, analysis reports, and test correlation records
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of structural dynamics processes and tools
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority, building autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors to enable the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
- 5+ years of professional experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications
- Demonstrated proficiency with FEA tools for structural dynamics (NASTRAN, ANSYS, or equivalent)
- Experience with modal analysis, random vibration, shock response spectrum (SRS), and frequency response analysis
- Familiarity with launch vehicle interface requirements and coupled loads analysis processes
- Experience supporting or interpreting dynamic environmental test campaigns and correlating results with FEM predictions
- Ability to work cross-functionally with mechanical design, GNC, and systems engineering teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (ITAR compliance)
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience with spacecraft mechanism or actuation system dynamics, including jitter analysis and disturbance budgeting for precision pointing applications
- Familiarity with GNC interface requirements and the impact of structural dynamics on attitude control performance
- Experience with coupled loads analysis (CLA) and launch vehicle ICD compliance
- Knowledge of fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis methods
- Familiarity with test-analysis correlation methods and model updating techniques
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for post-processing and automating analysis workflows
- Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or similarly dynamic setting
