← Back to results

Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)

Location
Hawthorne, CA
Compensation
$100k–$135k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 5 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 5 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

The Loads & Dynamics Engineer for SpaceX's Starshield program focuses on ensuring the reliable operation of satellites through dynamic analysis and testing. This role requires proficiency in frequency-domain signal processing, finite element modeling, and hands-on testing, utilizing both commercial and proprietary software. Ideal candidates will have a background in physics or engineering, along with at least a year of experience in dynamics. The position is part of a team dedicated to advancing national security efforts through innovative satellite technology.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 5 months ago — first seen on Joblaze May 6, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
  • Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,445).
  • Starts above 26% of 1286 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 176 companies).
  • FEMAP appears in 0.4% of 3012 comparable mid other roles in United States; vibration testing appears in 0.1% of 3012 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $100,000–$135,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: FEMAP, Finite Element Modeling, Nastran, Signal Processing, dynamics, shock testing.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

LOADS & DYNAMICS ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

In this role, you will work closely with Starshield responsible engineers as well as the Falcon dynamics team to drive hardware and mission design decisions and the reliable operation of Starshield satellites. This role will involve performing dynamic analysis, contributing to in-house codes, as well as hands-on testing. You will be responsible for all low- and high- frequency loads and vibration for the satellites during ground transportation, ascent/launch, and on-orbit operation. Strong candidates for this role will have excellent hardware intuition as well as experience with frequency-domain signal processing and analysis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test
  • Execute dynamic testing from start-to-finish including pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing and model correlation
  • Build finite element models and run coupled loads analysis
  • Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes as well as write new code
  • Perform other analyses as required such as satellite dispense, on-orbit jitter, fatigue analysis, etc.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional experience with dynamics

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Hands-on experience either analyzing data or building hardware
  • Experience with vibration and shock testing
  • Experience with NASTRAN
  • Finite element modeling experience (use of FEMAP)
  • Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability and fatigue failure mechanisms
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

Similar positions

SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX