Joblaze summary

In the role of Loads & Dynamics Engineer for Starshield at SpaceX, the individual will focus on dynamic analysis and testing to ensure the reliable operation of satellites designed for government use. Key skills include experience with frequency-domain signal processing, finite element modeling, and hands-on hardware testing. This position is well-suited for candidates with a background in physics or engineering and at least one year of relevant experience. The team is dedicated to supporting national security efforts through advanced satellite technology.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 8, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page November 8, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Hawthorne, CA.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$127,000).
Starts above 26% of 1478 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 187 companies).
Nastran appears in 0.3% of 3493 comparable mid other roles in United States; dynamics appears in 0.1% of 3493 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: SpaceX lists $100,000–$160,000 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: Finite Element Modeling, Nastran, Signal Processing, dynamics.
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:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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

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 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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

Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)

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