Principal Aerospace Engineer (Shock and Vibration)

Overview

The Shock and Vibration Aerospace Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating aerospace components and systems subjected to mechanical shock, vibration, and dynamic loads. This role involves developing and executing test programs to ensure product reliability, safety, and compliance with aerospace and defense standards. The engineer works cross-functionally with design, test, and quality teams to support new product development and qualification programs.

Responsibilities

• Analysis & Simulation:
• Perform modal, vibration, and shock analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or LS-DYNA.
• Evaluate component and system response to dynamic loads, random vibration, acoustic excitation, and impact events.
• Develop analytical models to predict performance under launch, flight, and transport conditions.
• Test Development & Execution:
• Design and execute shock, vibration, and acoustic test plans per aerospace standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, NASA-STD-7001).
• Specify instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, data acquisition systems) and oversee setup and calibration.
• Conduct data analysis and correlate test results with analytical models.
• Design Support:
• Collaborate with design engineers to improve product robustness against mechanical environments.
• Recommend design modifications to mitigate vibration-induced fatigue or structural failure.
• Documentation & Reporting:
• Prepare detailed technical reports, analysis summaries, and test documentation.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO 17025).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work with mechanical, systems, and test engineers to define dynamic load requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to manufacturing and integration teams during development and qualification phases.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).

Experience:

• 3–8+ years of experience in shock and vibration analysis and testing in aerospace, defense, or similar high-reliability industries.
• Hands-on experience with dynamic testing equipment (electrodynamic shakers, drop tables, pyroshock simulators, etc.).
• Familiarity with aerospace environmental test standards (MIL-STD-810, DO-160, NASA-STD-7001).

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in FEA and dynamic analysis tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, LS-DYNA).
• Knowledge of data acquisition and signal processing (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW, DEWESoft).
• Understanding of structural dynamics, fatigue analysis, and damping methods.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple test programs and collaborate across engineering disciplines.