The Role

You will own the successful development of loads, vibration, and forcing functions for K2 Space satellites during ground transportation, launch, deployment, and on-orbit operation. In your first 6 months, you will perform dynamic structural analysis of the prototype satellite vehicle assemblies and components to predict responses during test and launch using finite element analysis, and support test campaigns and lead data correlation and verify responses. In your first year, you will lead vehicle and component level dynamics analysis for shock, vibration, and acoustics, and generate best practices for multi-body dynamics, accelerated life testing, and loads generation for internal and external customers. In your first two years, you will deliver and maintain vehicle level coupled-loads analysis (CLA) models and create automation tools for data processing and mass properties.

Responsibilities

• Develop load and dynamics best practices from ground-up, from requirements to correlated test deliverables

• Lead dynamic testing from start to finish including pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing and model correlation

• Build finite element (FEA) models using various tools

• Perform data processing and analyses using commercial software and personally develop new software tools and code

• Collaborate with design engineers, analysts, and external customers to develop satellite products

• Continually own and refine loads and dynamics deliverables throughout hardware development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, mathematics, or other relevant engineering discipline

• Deep experience with FEA software packages and simulation (experience can be in both a professional and academic setting)

• 5+ years of experience with structural dynamic analysis

Nice to Have

• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)

• Experience creating loads derivation methodologies to generate loads for internal and external customer use

• Experience with NASTRAN, Femap, Simcenter 3D, and Hypermesh FEA tools

• Experience with flight software and embedded systems

• Experience with Python, MATLAB, and C++

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware analysis results within a larger integrated engineering team

• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations

• Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company

• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.