Propulsion Dynamics Engineer

Job description

As a Propulsion Dynamics Engineer at Impulse , your core responsibility will be to characterize, analyze, and validate the dynamic behavior and environments of our liquid rocket propulsion systems. You will work closely with propulsion, dynamics, test, and instrumentation teams to evaluate engine test data, develop dynamic environments, support component testing, and improve analytical predictions of propulsion hardware response. Analyze dynamic data from engine development, qualification, and flight testing to characterize structural response, identify anomalous behavior, and monitor hardware health Develop propulsion component vibration environments from engine and flight data for use in structural analysis and qualification testing Develop and apply engine-level finite element models and forcing functions to predict structural dynamic response, component environments, and interface loads, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, and transient analyses Analyze and direct dynamic testing of propulsion hardware from pre-test analysis and instrumentation planning through post-test data reduction and model correlation Develop tools and methods for processing dynamic test data, including time and frequency domain analysis, filtering, spectral analysis, and PSD generation Support propulsion system stability and POGO analysis through analytical modeling and correlation with test and flight data Work with instrumentation and test engineers on sensor selection, placement, sampling, and signal conditioning for dynamic measurements Effectively communicate results to Responsible Engineers and Designers and collaborate on improvements and solutions Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field 4+ years of demonstrated experience with structural dynamics, vibration, or dynamic testing of high-performance systems Proficient with at least one industry-standard structural FEA package (Femap/Patran/NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.) Demonstrated experience solving structural dynamics and vibration problems using analytical and numerical methods Demonstrated experience with time and frequency domain analysis and processing of dynamic test data Demonstrated proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar applications Working knowledge of dynamic instrumentation and signal processing Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns