Structural Dynamics Engineer

Company Description

Icarus is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, developing solar-powered stratospheric drones designed to enhance global connectivity and observation. Operating at altitudes 20 times closer to Earth than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, our drones deliver superior 5G direct-to-device communication and ultra-high-resolution imagery. With the capability to remain airborne for up to a year through autonomous solar-powered operations, Icarus offers continuous, cost-effective solutions that surpass traditional cell towers and satellite systems.

 

Role Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Structural Dynamics Engineer to join our dynamic team in El Segundo, California. In this role, you will be ensuring the structural integrity and dynamic performance of advanced aircraft systems. The team focuses on understanding and predicting dynamic responses, identifying forcing functions, and ensuring all components are qualified for ground and flight operations. With responsibilities spanning structural dynamics, fluid-structure interaction, and system-level performance, our engineers leverage physics-first principles and state-of-the-art tools to deliver robust and innovative solutions.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze and resolve structural dynamics challenges using simulation, testing, and flight data.
• Develop finite element and lumped mass models of aircraft structures and systems.
• Design and execute dynamic tests, including pre-test analysis, instrumentation, data acquisition, signal processing, and model validation.
• Drive cross-disciplinary collaboration to address system-level dynamics and implement design improvements or operational modifications.
• Utilize commercial tools (e.g., NASTRAN, ABAQUS) and develop custom software for analysis.
• Evaluate vibration, shock, and aeroelastic responses under various operating conditions.
• Generate and interpret frequency and time-domain data for performance and safety verification.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in structural dynamics, vibration analysis, or system-level testing.

 

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS, ABAQUS) and structural modeling techniques.
• Hands-on experience with dynamic testing, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with fluid-structure interaction and flutter analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of vibration, shock, and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellites, or other aerospace projects.
• Strong understanding of structural integrity concepts, including strength, stability, and failure mechanisms.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• $120,000 to $160,000 salary
• Large equity in the company
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plan with HSA.
• Dream desk setup, including tools and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• Daily lunch and unlimited Celsius.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.