Lead, Structural Engineering

L3Harris Technologies•Rancho Cordova, AL

3d•$106,000 - $227,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our team shaping the next generation of solid rocket propulsion systems. We are seeking a Lead Structures & Dynamics Analyst for our Huntsville, AL, or Sacramento, CA location. In this role, you will perform structural analysis to verify that product designs meet structural performance requirements and assist with preliminary design verification. We are seeking an experienced structural analyst with a deep technical foundation in aerospace structures, particularly rocket propulsion nozzles, a proactive mindset, and a passion for solving complex problems in high-performance environments. As a key contributor, you will lead and support structural modeling and analysis efforts for solid rocket motor (SRM) components throughout the product lifecycle — from early development through qualification and production. The role will have a focus on SRM rocket motors, and familiarity with thermal structural analysis and composite structures is key. You will collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams, interface with customers, and drive technical excellence. Why This Role Matters: You won't just be running models — you'll be influencing major design decisions and contributing directly to flight-critical hardware. This position is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge propulsion technologies that drive national defense initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior structural analysis experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior structural analysis experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior structural analysis experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree (in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline) is preferred.
Proven experience in linear, nonlinear, and dynamic structural analysis supporting design and qualification of solid rocket motors.
Proficiency with FEA tools such as ANSYS Mechanical; experience with ANSYS MAPDL or Python scripting is highly desirable.
Familiarity with structural assessment and design of solid rocket motors is a strong asset.
Demonstrated ability to interpret aerospace structural requirements and coordinate load development with cross-functional teams.
Working knowledge of structural instabilities, material nonlinearities, and coupled load environments.
Exposure to full-lifecycle aerospace SRM propulsion product development, from design through manufacturing and test.
Strong technical communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

Drive analysis tasks for SRM components with a focus on nozzles, but also including metallic and composite motor cases, insulation, and propellant grains. Ensure structural integrity across all phases of flight and ground handling.
Build and execute finite element models using ANSYS, ABAQUS, or comparable tools. Model components using isotropic, orthotropic, and viscoelastic material definitions with nonlinear and temperature-dependent properties.
Collaborate with thermal, CFD, and performance teams to establish pressure, thermal gradient, and mechanical loading conditions. In some cases, derive boundary conditions and load cases based on mission and design requirements.
Apply classical methods to validate and supplement numerical results, especially for preliminary design trades or quick-turn assessments.
Import and simplify solid CAD models from design teams to develop robust, clean geometry suitable for analysis.
Determine margins of safety against yield, ultimate failure, buckling, HCF, LCF, and fracture using established industry-standard practices and internal allowables.
Produce high-quality technical reports, stress notes, and presentations that clearly outline methods, assumptions, and conclusions for both internal reviews and external customer delivery.
Participate in formal and informal design reviews. Communicate results, trade-offs, and risk areas effectively to multidisciplinary audiences, including program management and external customers.
Contribute to internal tool development, analysis automation, and knowledge capture to enhance team efficiency and standardization.
Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.
Travel: 10%.