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Astrolab

Designs modular lunar rovers for exploration

Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Materials & StructuresUpdated on Nov 13
Full-timeHawthorne, CA, USA$160k - $190k /yrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field is required.
  • At least 2 years of professional experience in spacecraft dynamics modeling, loads analysis, or testing is required.
  • Experience using NASTRAN or a comparable finite element analysis solver for statics and dynamics simulations, including associated pre/post-processing software such as Femap or similar tools, is required.
  • Experience using MATLAB or a comparable engineering analysis tool for data analysis is required.

Responsibilities

  • Work with other engineering teams to design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware.
  • Define and manage mechanical load definitions related to launch, landing, and operations, and conduct load analyses and tests throughout the hardware development lifecycle.
  • Define and manage mechanical loads and environments, including static, vibration, shock, and acoustics, for design using mass acceleration curve generation or other preliminary design methods, finite element modeling and simulation using aerospace industry methods, design loads analysis methods such as response-limited sine vibration or Modal Mass Acceleration Curves, and model reduction and delivery for coupled loads analyses.
  • Support dynamics test setup and analysis for hardware development and verification, including ownership of test campaigns for dynamics model correlation. Test types include modal survey, sine and random vibration, acoustic, and shock.

Desired Qualifications

  • A master's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field is preferred.
  • Experience developing or integrating specialized engineering analysis tools, including Femap API or MATLAB integrations, is preferred.
  • Experience applying analytical calculations, numerical simulation, testing, and engineering judgment to solve spacecraft dynamics or related engineering problems is preferred.
  • Experience mentoring or supporting the development of junior engineers, contractors, or interns is preferred.
  • Ability to manage priorities, execute assigned tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment is preferred.
  • Experience collaborating with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional leadership is preferred.

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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