Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis (R4722)
Leads advanced structural analysis, finite element modeling, and validation for UAV airframes and components. Requires 10+ years experience with FEA tools like ANSYS/NASTRAN, composites, testing, and cross-functional leadership in aerospace.
About the job
What you'll do
- Lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components within a program scope.
- Define and execute finite element modeling approaches, load cases, assumptions, and margin assessments.
- Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses.
- Establish sound practices for hand calculations, model validation, and analysis-to-test correlation.
- Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
- Support structural test strategy, including defining requirements, participating in execution, and correlating results to analysis.
- Review structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews.
- Mentor and technically guide structural analysts across varying experience levels.
- Partner cross-functionally with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams to balance structural requirements with overall aircraft performance goals.
- Contribute to evolving analysis methodologies and improving structural standards within the organization.
Required qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems.
- Strong expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
- Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
- Significant experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
- Experience supporting structural testing, model correlation, and flight test validation.
- Ability to lead complex technical workstreams and influence design decisions within a program.
- Strong communication skills and experience presenting analysis findings to engineering leadership.
Preferred qualifications
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience serving as a senior technical lead on aircraft or UAV structural programs.
- Hands-on involvement in flight test support and certification efforts.
- Experience contributing to internal analysis standards or best practices.
- Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and enterprise engineering toolchains.
Skills
Ansys, Nastran, Hyperworks, FEA, Finite Element Analysis, Hand Calculations, Composites, Structural Testing, Model Correlation, CAD, Plm
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