Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer

The role

The Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer will own dynamic analysis and vehicle response across spacecraft. This role predicts and validates hardware behavior across all flight phases, from ground and launch to on-orbit operations.

What you will do

• Own dynamic and loads analysis across components, subsystems, and full spacecraft
• Develop load cases and environmental requirements
• Predict vehicle response across launch, deployment, and on-orbit conditions
• Perform structural dynamics analyses using FEM and analytical methods
• Build and assemble coupled system models across spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces
• Plan and execute dynamic test campaigns
• Process and analyze test and flight data to validate models
• Evaluate analytical predictions against test and flight data
• Develop internal tools and workflows for simulation, data processing, and signal analysis
• Partner cross functionally with design, test, and manufacturing teams

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field
• 8+ years of experience in structural dynamics, loads, or environment prediction
• Strong fundamentals in vibration, shock, transient response, and frequency-domain analysis
• Experience with finite element modeling and analysis (NASTRAN, FEMAP, or similar)
• Strong background in linear algebra, numerical methods, and dynamic system modeling
• Experience with telemetry, test, or flight data processing and correlation
• Experience developing simulation tools and performing high-speed data and signal processing
• Ability to communicate complex dynamics concepts clearly across engineering teams
• Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments

Nice to have

• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle coupled loads analysis
• Hands-on experience with vibration, shock, or mode survey testing
• Familiarity with industry standards (GSFC, MIL-STD, etc.)
• Experience with flexible body dynamics or separation events
• Experience building internal tools or automating analysis workflows

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
• $100k life insurance at no cost
• Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually
• 10 paid holidays
• 100% match on first 3% and 50% match on next 2% of 401(k)
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• Childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings
• Dream desk setup

Before you apply

• Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or individual granted asylum) or be able to obtain required export authorizations

About the company

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company is a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding.