Staff Structural Design Engineer

Staff Structural Design Engineer

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in structural design and analysis within the aerospace or defense industries.
• Strong understanding of commonly used materials and carbon fiber composites & their mechanical/thermal behavior.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• In-depth knowledge of materials science, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics.
• Experience with validation testing and compliance with aerospace standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
• Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative structural designs for aircraft and UAVs, focusing on airframes, support structures, and load-bearing components.
• Utilize advanced CAD software to create detailed models and drawings, ensuring all designs meet specified requirements.
• Perform structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to evaluate performance under various conditions and loads.
• Create and execute comprehensive testing plans to validate the strength, durability, and performance of structural components.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and environmental testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Diagnose and resolve structural issues, utilizing both experimental data and analytical methods.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing, to ensure cohesive and efficient designs.
• Coordinate with the electrical and systems engineering teams to integrate structural components seamlessly into overall system designs.
• Engage in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve design processes and outcomes.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and test results.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulatory standards and industry best practices, such as FAA and MIL-STD requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of design changes, test procedures, and product iterations.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and structural design methodologies.
• Propose and implement design optimizations to enhance performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Participate in R&D initiatives to explore new technologies and innovative solutions for structural challenges.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Leadership experience on a project team
• Problem solving skills including root cause investigation, failure analysis, and DOE
• Experience using Siemens NX
• Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
• Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings
• Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.