Principal Engineer - Structural

Hot Job

Principal Engineer - Structural

Apollo Professional Solutions

Boulder, CO 80301

$81.71/hour

Posted 09/15/2026

Job ID: 77564

Job Description

Principal Structural Engineer U.S. Citizenship Required

Are you an experienced Principal Structural Engineer with a passion for aerospace, spacecraft systems, and advanced engineering challenges? We are seeking a highly skilled professional to support the design, analysis, testing, and validation of complex structures for cutting-edge aerospace programs.

This is a contract, on-site opportunity for an engineer who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and has experience with structural analysis, finite element modeling, and dynamic testing.

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will:

• Perform structural analysis for spacecraft, instruments, payloads, optical systems, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Apply closed-form calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) techniques to evaluate structural performance, stress, and dynamics.
• Develop structural load cases and environmental conditions for components and assemblies.
• Support structural and environmental testing activities, including:
• Static testing
• Modal testing
• Acoustic testing
• Shock testing
• Vibration testing

Prepare technical reports documenting analysis methodologies, test results, and engineering recommendations. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support program objectives. Manage multiple priorities and contribute to a productive team environment. Maintain effective working relationships across departments and business units. Perform additional engineering duties as assigned. Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of relevant structural engineering experience.
• Advanced degrees may be substituted for experience:
• Master's Degree = up to 2 years of experience
• Ph.D. = up to 2 additional years of experience

Equivalent technical experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Degree must be earned from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. U.S. Citizenship is required. Required Technical Skills

• Extensive experience with Nastran for:
• Static analysis
• Modal analysis
• Buckling analysis
• Frequency response analysis

Preferred Technical Expertise Engineering Software

• Simcenter
• FEMAP
• LS-DYNA
• Abaqus
• MATLAB
• Adams
• SolidWorks
• Python

Advanced FEA Applications

• Explicit analysis
• Transient analysis
• Nonlinear analysis
• Multibody dynamics
• Line-of-sight analysis
• Jitter analysis

Structural Analysis Experience

• Bolted joints
• Bonded joints
• Welded structures
• Electronics packaging
• Antenna systems
• Fracture mechanics
• Fatigue analysis

Materials Experience

• Composite materials
• Ceramics
• High-temperature materials

Preferred Education

• Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related structures-focused discipline.

Work Environment

This position requires on-site support five days per week at the primary work location. Occasional travel between campuses, test facilities, and other work locations may be required.

Work may be performed in:

• Office environments
• Engineering laboratories
• Manufacturing or production facilities
• Cleanroom environments
• Outdoor test locations

Candidates may occasionally be required to work in areas where personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary and may access multiple facilities in varying weather conditions.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers the chance to work on highly advanced aerospace and space systems, contribute to mission-critical engineering programs, and collaborate with a talented team of industry professionals solving complex structural challenges.

Keywords: Principal Structural Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Structural Analysis Engineer, FEA Engineer, Nastran Engineer, Spacecraft Structures, Finite Element Analysis, Structural Dynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Structures, Modal Analysis, Vibration Analysis, Shock Testing, Composite Materials, Space Systems Engineering.

Meet Your Recruiter

Adnan Mansuri

About Boulder, CO

Ready to kickstart your career in the stunning Boulder, Colorado area? Known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class dining options, and stunning outdoor spaces like the iconic Flatirons and Chautauqua Park, this location offers unparalleled growth opportunities and a unique work-life balance thats hard to beat. Youll find yourself immersed in a community that values innovation, sustainability, and creativity, with renowned galleries like BMoCA, top-rated restaurants, and the captivating Colorado Shakespeare Festival at your doorstep. Explore job opportunities in this bustling region today and discover why Boulder is not just a place to work, but a place to thrive.

Salary Notes: The compensation listed reflects the good-faith rate currently anticipated for this position and may be adjusted, where permitted by law, based on business needs, applicable qualifications and experience.

EEO Statement: Apollo Professional Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status or characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

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