Structural Dynamics Engineer 1
Date: Jul 28, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 1962
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
The successful Structural Dynamics candidate will be responsible for supporting the design, development, and operation of ULA’s next-generation launch system -Vulcan/Centaur. You will be joining a passionate and motivated team that works together in an agile environment to meet our customer’s growing needs and to help continuously evolve our launch system capabilities. ULA’s Vulcan Development Teams are actively pursuing new and exciting launch capabilities, including Vulcan Booster BE-4 Engine recovery for re-use. We are also pursuing even more improvements and innovations to the world’s most efficient and advanced upper stage -The Centaur Upper Stage.
In your role in Structural Dynamics, you will perform dynamic response analysis of ULA Launch Systems, including boosters, upper stages, secondary structures, engines and motors, payload accommodations, and spacecraft. The Structural Dynamicist defines design loads, accelerations, and displacements to establish design requirements and verify structural designs. In addition, Structural Dynamics performs system-level and sub-system-level verification and correlation testing as an integral part of the overall design process. Testing can include structural stiffness and frequency identification testing. Most assignments require experience in mathematical modeling using finite element and component mode synthesis methods, transient response analysis, dynamic model correlation and validation, and working according to established guidelines. Assignments also require developing, documenting, and maintaining processes, methods, and software solutions. This role includes resolution of programmatic and technical problems that affect cost, schedule, and performance. This role requires strong teamwork and collaboration with multiple engineering disciplines. Strong communication skills are required to generate analysis reports and present results to internal and external customers.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
None required
Basic Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university is required.
- Experience or coursework in structural dynamics/vibrations and finite element analysis.
- Experience or coursework developing software on Linux operating system.
- Experience with Matlab.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment (class projects and internships considered acceptable).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong time management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NASTRAN or other Finite Element Modeling Software.
- Experience developing models, methodology, and software to perform dynamic response analysis.
- Experience performing loads and dynamic analysis of aerospace vehicles.
- Experience performing transient response and random response analyses of complex aerospace structure.
- Experience in test and test data analysis.
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $70,952.00 - $118,253.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver