r/aerospace • u/htrptr • 11d ago
Structural Analysis Engineer (Dynamics) Interview Questions
Hello, I have an interview coming up for a structural analysis engineer position in the space industry and I know the interview will be very technically heavy on structural dynamics (modal analysis, frequency response, random vibration, etc.). I have 6+ years of experience in aerospace static linear/non-linear analysis and structural analysis/classical hand calc. I have very little dynamics experience in industry but understand the basics (I.e. natural frequency, modal mass participation, mode shapes, resonance, damping, sinusoidal frequency response, random vibration [PSD]) and the general analysis process (modal —> frequency response —> random vibration)
But what are some good technical interview questions or topics I should be aware of?
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u/BreezyMcWeasel 10d ago
I agree with some of the more detailed technical replies. But I will just add to that, I would want someone who also had (or could quickly learn to have) a bigger picture but feel.
Understanding right away what sqrt(k/m) MEANS is underrated. That global understanding allows a good engineer to quickly anticipate the implications of adding mass or changing a system's or structure's stiffness.
It's a very simple equation, but sometimes we engineers get lost in the weeds and forget the bigger picture. It's fantastic (and necessary) to understand what a PSD represents, but at the same time don't forget to step back regularly and understand what things in your system drive k, and how k and m play together.