Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled Load & Dynamics Engineer to join our team working on cutting-edge autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) for the Department of Defense (DoD). As a Load & Dynamics Engineer, you will be responsible for modeling and analyzing the forces acting on our autonomous vessels, ensuring they meet operational requirements for performance and safety. You will play a key role in simulating vehicle behavior, designing load response models, and ensuring hardware is validated for real-world environments. This is an interdisciplinary role requiring understanding of dynamics, structural integrity, and system performance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and resolve dynamic load-related problems affecting autonomous surface vessels, utilizing a combination of analysis, simulation, and field data.
• Develop finite element models and lumped element models to simulate vessel response under various load conditions (e.g., waves, wind, operational stress).
• Perform dynamic testing from start to finish, including pre-test analysis, sensor selection and installation, test execution, data analysis, signal processing, and model validation.
• Own system-level dynamic analysis and recommend hardware or design changes across engineering teams to enhance vessel performance under dynamic conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and refine vehicle design for load-bearing capability, ensuring it meets stringent operational and defense standards.
• Conduct advanced simulations to predict the behavior of autonomous vessels in complex environments (e.g., turbulent water, harsh weather, operational maneuvers).
• Write and modify software to support dynamic modeling, simulation, and analysis in commercial and in-house software platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience with dynamics, particularly in structural or fluid dynamics, with a focus on vehicle response to external forces.
• Strong experience with dynamic simulation and load analysis using industry-standard tools.
• Proven ability to conduct testing and data analysis to assess load dynamics in complex systems.
• Proficiency with software tools like MATLAB, Python, and commercial finite element modeling tools (e.g., NASTRAN).
• Hands-on experience with both dynamic analysis and hardware testing.
• Experience in the modeling of fluid-structure interaction, particularly in maritime environments.
• Knowledge of naval architecture and experience with hull, propulsion, and stability dynamics.
• Expertise in vibration, shock, and fatigue testing as it applies to large-scale marine or autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with control systems and integration of autonomous technologies within physical vessel systems.
• Experience working in defense-related industries, particularly with DoD contractors or government programs.
• Advanced knowledge of structural integrity and failure mechanisms related to dynamic loading conditions.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.