Rotor Dynamics Analyst

Company: Approach Venture
Location: El Segundo
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Rotor Dynamics Engineer – Build High-Speed Space Propulsion & Advanced Rotating Systems! El Segundo, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary An early-stage space technology startup is assembling a small, elite engineering team to develop high-speed rotating machinery for advanced spacecraft systems. This role sits at the intersection of mechanical design, dynamics, and hands-on prototyping, with direct impact on flight hardware that will be tested, iterated, and ultimately deployed in orbit. As a Rotor Dynamics Engineer, you will take ownership of designing and validating rotating systems that operate at extreme speeds. You will work across analysis, modeling, test, and iteration, contributing directly to core technology development rather than incremental improvements. This is a ground-floor opportunity for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building from first principles, and wants to see their work move quickly from concept to hardware. About Us We are a venture-backed space startup focused on enabling new classes of spacecraft capabilities through novel hardware architectures. Our team blends deep technical expertise with a rapid prototyping mindset, and we are actively developing flight-ready systems that push the limits of what is currently possible in space environments. We operate with high ownership, tight feedback loops, and a strong belief that small teams can solve very hard problems when given autonomy and trust. Job Duties Design and develop high-speed rotating machinery capable of operating at tens of thousands of RPM Perform rotor dynamics analysis to identify resonance modes, critical speeds, and stability limits Conduct finite element analysis on rotating components to define structural margins and operating envelopes Architect, design, and evaluate passive and active magnetic bearing systems Rapidly prototype, test, iterate, and characterize bearing and rotor performance Balance rotating assemblies using commercial balancing equipment and established procedures Instrument test hardware with accelerometers and other sensors to capture dynamic behavior Analyze test data and correlate results with analytical and simulation models Support system-level trade studies and design reviews as hardware matures toward flight readiness Qualifications Strong foundation in rotor dynamics theory and rotating machinery fundamentals Hands-on experience designing high-speed rotating systems Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for mechanical design Experience using rotor dynamics analysis software such as Dyrobes or equivalent tools Demonstrated experience performing finite element analysis, including for rotating bodies Practical experience balancing rotating equipment using commercial balancers Understanding of the calculations and methods used in rotor balancing Python experience for data processing, analysis, and visualization Ability to work independently and drive tasks from concept through execution Preferred Experience Experience designing or testing magnetic bearing systems Background working with hardware prototypes in a lab or test environment Experience operating instrumentation for vibration and dynamic response measurement Prior work in aerospace, space systems, or other high-reliability hardware domains Comfort working in fast-moving startup or R&D environments Why Join Us Opportunity to work on novel, flight-relevant hardware from an early stage High ownership role with real influence on technical direction and design decisions Hands-on engineering with rapid iteration cycles Collaborative, low-bureaucracy startup environment Direct exposure to hardware testing and system integration Equity participation for employees building long-term value Work on real flight hardware backed by government programs and commercial demand High-impact role with strong growth and leadership potential Compensation $120,000 - $200,000 LI-AV

Keywords: Approach Venture, South Gate , Rotor Dynamics Analyst, Engineering , El Segundo, California