Structural Dynamics Engineer (III to Staff), Space Based Interceptors

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

Our Mission

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

Our Values

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and validation of Space Based Interceptors structural systems to ensure survivability and performance under dynamic environments, including launch and mission operations.
• Perform detailed structural dynamics stress analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations.
• Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs) of missile defense structures and subsystems, ensuring accuracy in predicting dynamic behavior.
• Define and lead dynamic testing campaigns, including vibration, shock, and acoustic testing, to verify structural integrity and correlate models with test results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering, to ensure dynamic requirements are integrated into the design process.
• Provide expertise in structural dynamics during trade studies, design reviews, and critical decision-making processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in structural dynamics analysis for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as FEMAP/NASTRAN or HyperWorks/OptiStruct.
• Proficiency with missile-specific structural dynamics challenges, such as aerothermal loading.
• Experience in missile defense dynamic environments, including launch loads, aero loads, vibration, and shock.
• Proficiency in missile defense–specific structural analysis concerns such as thin wall buckling, pressure vessel burst, and safe-life/damage-tolerance assessment.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material properties, and failure modes in aerospace applications.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing, including random, sine, and sine burst vibration.
• Ability to maintain or obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working with lightweight structures, composites, and advanced materials.
• Experience with spacecraft-specific structural dynamics challenges, such as coupled loads analysis and dynamic coupling between subsystems.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, such as SolidWorks/NX for integrating FEMs with detailed vehicle assembly models – Teamcenter for PLM.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation for dynamic testing, including accelerometers, strain gauges, and data acquisition systems.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing including shock and acoustic tests.
• Demonstrated experience with full program life cycle (capture to launch).

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision
• HRA/HSA options
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401K
• Parental Leave

Pay

• Base Salary III: $105,000 - $170,000
• Base Salary Senior: $130,000 - $210,000
• Base Salary Staff: $155,000 - $260,000
• Equity

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

Additional Information

• This is a fully onsite position based out of our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office.
• 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.