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