Engineer II
The Engineer II at Confidential Client focuses on structural dynamics modeling, analysis, and testing of air vehicle components and systems to support design, integration, and modifications. This role involves developing and managing finite element and classical dynamic models, supporting ground and flight testing, and ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards while collaborating across teams and contributing to proposals and risk mitigation.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Aerospace & Defense).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This Engineer II (Dynamics) role supports structural-dynamics modeling, analysis, and testing for air vehicles, subsystems, and components. As an early-career engineer, you will work under the Aeroelasticity and Dynamics Supervisor to produce analysis, test models, and correlation supporting design, integration, and certification.
- Develop structural-dynamics models using classical methods and finite element models (FEM).
- Perform modeling and analysis for composite and metallic structures, flight-control mechanisms, landing gear, propulsion interfaces, and isolated subsystems.
- Support model life-cycle management and PLM-based model tracking.
- Prepare and support ground vibration, modal surveys, static, and flight test planning and execution.
- Create test models, process test data (time histories, shock, vibration, acoustic signals) and generate FFTs, PSDs, SRS, and other signal-processing outputs.
- Correlate analytical models with ground and flight test data and produce documentation of correlation results.
- Establish and improve analysis methods, tools, and best practices for dynamics across programs.
- Generate technical deliverables: analysis reports, dynamic-response assessments, design recommendations, and test summaries.
- Participate in reviews (PDR, CDR, safety reviews), present results and risks, and support risk-mitigation and trade studies.
- Support proposals and capture activities by defining scope, estimating effort, and developing technical content related to dynamics.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Typically 0–2 years of relevant engineering experience (entry-level to early-career).
- Working knowledge of engineering concepts, theories, and codes related to structures and dynamics.
- Ability to learn quickly, apply new concepts in a fast-paced environment, and manage multiple tasks.
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Ability to support testing activities that may require extended hours.
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance (required).
Preferred Skills
- Experience with FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, and ABAQUS.
- Familiarity with aerospace certification and standards (e.g., FAR-23, FAR-25, JSSG-2006, STANAG-4671, MIL-HDBK-516, MIL-STD-8591).
- Experience processing test data and producing FFTs, PSDs, and SRS outputs.
- Prior exposure to PLM systems and test-model creation for ground vibration and static testing.
Compensation & Logistics
- Pay range (provided by source): $69,500 — $116,375 per year.
- Employment type: Full-Time.
- Work style: Onsite (role is based in Poway, CA).
- Travel: Approximately 0%–25% (program dependent).
- Relocation assistance: Provided.
- Citizenship / Clearance: U.S. citizenship required for certain positions; ability to obtain/maintain DoD clearance is required/desired.
Location
Poway, CA (on-site role supporting aerospace systems engineering and testing).
About the Opportunity
This position is offered by a Confidential Client in the engineering/aerospace and defense space. The role is an excellent fit for early-career dynamics or structural engineers who want hands-on experience in modeling, testing, and correlating aerospace structural systems and who are interested in contributing to air vehicle design and certification activities.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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