Mechanical Engineer (Loads and Dynamics)

About the role

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.