Structural Dynamicist – Early Career

Location: Kent, Washington Department: Engineering

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

Description

Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. Structural dynamics is at the heart of making parts, assemblies, and systems that are robust and reusable. As a structural dynamicist at Stoke, you will perform analysis and tests to assess the structural performance of our launch vehicle and rocket engine hardware. You'll work closely with other analysts and Responsible Engineers in a truly hardware rich environment to ensure we develop robust hardware. This role presents a unique opportunity to work on aerospace structures across different systems and disciplines. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can't be matched in most other companies.

Responsibilities

Develop analytical models of launch vehicle and rocket engine hardware to assess structural performance, including modal analysis, life, strength, and stability

Support structural and component testing through test planning, instrumentation selection and placement, hands-on execution, and data review to characterize both dynamic environments and validate structural performance

Collaborate with other engineers and cross-functional teams to improve designs and optimize test approaches

Develop tools, methods, and guidance to improve speed, consistency, and automation

Document results of modeling and testing activities to support communication and verification activities

Other responsibilities as required

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Solid structural fundamentals including both statics and dynamics

Practical experience (such as through a project team or internship) with application of structural dynamics through analysis

Basic FEA experience

Basic experience with scripting tools such as Python or MATLAB

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work with teams in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

Exposure to launch vehicles, rocket engines, or other high-performance hardware through internships or similar

Experience with any/all of ANSYS, NASTRAN, Wave6

Benefits

Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.

Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life and disability insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

4 weeks’ Paid Time Off

Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)

Paid Family/Parental Leave

On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)

Dog friendly offices!

Compensation

Target Levels

Level 1 Range: $95,550 - $120,645

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (i.e., current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status.  It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII.   It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company.  Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, as noted above, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations.  Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [email protected]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility