Structural/Stress Engineer
Houston, Denver, or Tucson
US Citizen
Description of Duties
- Independently and collaboratively perform static structural, fatigue, and fracture analyses of aerospace components, assemblies, and systems
- Develop static, dynamic, and fatigue test plans and procedures, including special test equipment and sensor placement
- Conduct data analysis and correlate analytical models with test results
- Partner with design engineers to drive weight‑optimized, structurally sound component designs
- Produce formal engineering documentation, including technical memoranda, analysis reports, design and development books, and product manuals
- Operate effectively in a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary environment with evolving requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to derive vehicle load paths and reaction loads using free‑body diagrams
- Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing methods (e.g., Bruhn, Niu, Roark)
- Strong foundation in first‑principles methods for performing first‑order static structural hand calculations
- Demonstrated proficiency with one or more analysis tools: NX FEMAP, PATRAN, Nastran, ANSYS, ABAQUS
- Expertise in FEM modeling techniques, including boundary conditions, mid‑surfacing, element selection, structural idealization, bolted connections, contact modeling, and verification methods
- Proficiency in structural analysis of aerospace systems and components, including:
- Linear and nonlinear static analysis
- Stability analysis
- Sine and random vibration analysis
- Shock and impact analysis
- Ability to analyze structural stability (local buckling, global buckling, crippling) using classical methods and FEM
- Experience performing bolted‑joint calculations (bolt preload, joint stiffness, shear‑tension interaction, insert pull‑out, etc.) in accordance with NASA‑STD‑5020
- Support for internal/external design reviews, TIMs, and PDR/CDR milestones
- Experience with the design and development of spacecraft, spacesuits, aircraft, military systems, or other relevant vehicles and subsystems
- Understanding of the full engineering product lifecycle—from requirements development through design, manufacturing, testing, and operations
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Project)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships; demonstrate creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness, sound judgment, tact, and a sense of humor
- Ability to review and guide junior engineers’ designs and analyses, providing mentorship and technical leadership
Desired Experience
- Background in one or more of the following disciplines:
- Life Support System Design
- Crew Systems Design
- Crew Cabin Design
- Mechanical Design
- Mechanical Analysis
- Strong understanding of fatigue and fracture mechanics, including experience with AFGRO/NASGRO, spectra development, NDE methods, fail‑safe vs. safe‑life approaches, and NASA‑STD‑5019
- Experience modeling and simulating electronics components and associated failure modes
- Expertise in welded joint analysis
- Experience with mechanical mechanisms such as bearings, valves, motors, rotating joints, and gears
- Ability to manipulate SolidWorks CAD models directly for analysis and team collaboration
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 1–2 years of relevant industry experience
- Master’s degree in the same fields and 0–1 years of relevant experience
- PhD in Mechanical, Bio‑mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering
- U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
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