Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer
Hawthorne, CA, USA
USD 150k-175k / year + Equity
Posted on May 29, 2026
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
As a Loads and Dynamics Engineer, you will work with other engineering teams to design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for defining and managing mechanical load definitions related to launch, landing, and operations, as well as conducting load analyses and tests throughout the lifecycle of hardware development.
As a Loads and Dynamics Engineer, you will work with other engineering teams to design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for defining and managing mechanical load definitions related to launch, landing, and operations, as well as conducting load analyses and tests throughout the lifecycle of hardware development.
- Department
- Vehicle Engineering
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Hawthorne, California
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $150,000 - $175,000 / year
What you'll do:
Defining and managing mechanical loads & environments (static, vibration, shock, and acoustics) for design using techniques such as:
- Mass acceleration curve generation or other preliminary design methods
- Finite element modeling and simulation using aerospace industry methods
- Design loads analysis methods such as response-limited sine vibration or Modal Mass Acceleration Curve
- Model reduction and delivery for coupled loads analyses
Supporting dynamics test setup and analysis for hardware development and verification, along with ownership of test campaigns for dynamics model correlation. Notable test types are:
- Modal survey
- Sine & random vibration
- Acoustic
- Shock
What you'll bring:
Basic qualifications:
- 2+ years of experience in spacecraft dynamics modeling and testing
- Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent additional years of experience in a spacecraft loads & dynamics organization
- Proficiency with NASTRAN FEA solver and associated pre/post software (Femap or similar) for statics & dynamics simulation
- Proficiency with MATLAB for data analysis
- Ability to mentor and develop more junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team
Beneficial skills and experience:
- Applicable advanced degree
- Experience developing specialized analysis tools, e.g. use of Femap API and integrations with MATLAB
- Capability to utilize a combination of analytical calculations, numerical simulation, testing, and engineering judgment to solve dynamics problems
- Ownership of task execution
- Aptitude for managing priorities and operating in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with engineers, technicians, and leadership
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Home office set up reimbursement
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
About Astrolab
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…
Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.
Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.
Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.
Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.
Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Application Review
Stage 2:
Recruiter Phone Interview
Stage 3:
Video Interviews
Stage 4:
On-site Interview
Astrolab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, parental or pregnancy status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to careers@astrolab.space. We strive to remove unconscious and unnecessary barriers to build the best team. While we’ve outlined what an ideal candidate could look like, we know that you may bring something unanticipated and essential to the team. If you’re reading this and can see yourself contributing, please register below.