Astrolab

Designs modular lunar rovers for exploration

Lead Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Materials & StructuresUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timeHawthorne, CA, USA$170k - $230k /yrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in spacecraft dynamics modeling and testing.
A bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics-related field, or equivalent years of experience.
Experience using Femap and NASTRAN for dynamics simulation.
Experience using MATLAB for data analysis.
Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team.

Responsibilities

Develop mechanical loads and environments, including static, vibration, shock, and acoustic environments, and establish associated design and test strategies.
Define loads methodology and build loads and design infrastructure.
Continue developing the company’s loads and dynamics methodology.
Produce outputs used for critical engineering decisions.
Define company strategy for dynamic testing, from the lowest level to the highest.
Work with design and operations teams to influence hardware design and test plans.
Build tools and infrastructure to improve team and company efficiency.
Manage the team’s progress throughout various program phases.
Develop and train dynamics engineers.

Desired Qualifications

A master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics-related field.
Experience leading a project from start to finish.
Experience working collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and leadership.
Experience developing specialized analysis tools, such as using the Femap API and integrating it with MATLAB.
Experience with dynamic testing of large space vehicles.
Experience with transient dynamic simulation and/or multi-body dynamic modeling.

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 Lead Loads and Dynamics Engineer, you and your team will be responsible for the development of mechanical loads, environments (static, vibration, shock, and acoustic), and associated design and test strategy. You will be responsible for defining loads methodology, building loads and design infrastructure, and for your team’s progress and execution against program needs.

Continue to develop Astrolab’s loads and dynamics methodology
Produce outputs used for critical engineering decisions
Define company strategy for dynamic testing, from the lowest level to the highest
Work with design and operations teams to influence hardware design and test plans
Build tools and infrastructure to make your team and the company more efficient
Manage your team’s progress throughout various program phases
Develop and train dynamics engineers

Basic Qualifications

5+ years of experience in spacecraft dynamics modeling and testing
Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field or equivalent years of experience
Experience with Femap and NASTRAN software for dynamics simulation
Experience with MATLAB for data analysis
Experience mentoring and developing more junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field
Experience leading a project from start-to-finish
Experience working in a collaborative team environment with engineers, technicians, and leadership
Experience developing specialized analysis tools, e.g. use of Femap API and integrations with MATLAB
Experience with dynamic testing of large space vehicles
Experience with transient dynamic simulation and/or multi-body dynamic modeling

About the Company

Astrolab

Designs modular lunar rovers for exploration

Astrolab designs and builds modular rovers for lunar and extraterrestrial surface missions. Its flagship FLEX rover is a modular, reusable vehicle that can transport cargo, equipment, and crew across the Moon. The system works by using interchangeable payload modules on a shared rover chassis, allowing rapid reconfiguration for different mission profiles—from cargo delivery to astronaut transport—without needing a new vehicle. The rover is designed to be compatible with existing and planned space infrastructure, including NASA’s Artemis program, enabling integration with governmental and commercial lunar operations. What sets Astrolab apart is its emphasis on a single, adaptable platform with modular payloads that can handle a range of tasks and mission profiles, rather than many specialized, single-use machines. The company aims to enable a sustained lunar presence and expanded human activity beyond Earth by providing reliable, flexible surface mobility.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Hawthorne, CA
Founded: 2019

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