Lead structural analysis strategy for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components.
Define and review finite element modeling approaches, assumptions, load cases, and margins.
Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses.
Establish best practices for hand calculations, correlation methods, and model validation.
Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
Own structural test strategy, including defining requirements, overseeing execution, and correlating results to analysis.
Review and approve structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and certification artifacts.
Mentor and technically guide senior and early-career structural analysts.
Partner with cross-functional leads to balance structural requirements with system-level performance goals.
Influence long-term architecture, materials selection, and structural design standards.

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
12+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems.
Deep expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
Extensive experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
Strong background in structural testing, correlation, and certification support.
Ability to operate as a technical authority and make high-impact engineering tradeoffs.
Excellent communication skills and experience presenting to senior technical leadership.

Principal Structural Analyst

Key skills