Principal Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Karman Industries • Los Angeles, CA

6d • $140,000 - $280,000

About The Position

Karman Industries is seeking a Principal Structures Engineer to own structural analysis and design for the skids, weldments, and lifting and transport hardware used with its supercritical CO2 turbomachinery systems. This senior technical authority will be responsible for structural integrity across the product line, from global finite element models to hand calculations and code checks.

The role combines hands-on structural analysis with establishing standards across a growing engineering organization. The engineer will build and run global finite element models of full skid assemblies, develop Femap API tooling to scale analysis, and address structural risks in skid weldments, secondary structures, and rigging hardware from concept through fabrication. The position involves first-principles problem solving and close collaboration across engineering, fabrication, quality, and manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, civil/structural engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of experience in structural analysis of weldments, skids, or built-up structures, with direct ownership of structural substantiation.
• Strong proficiency in FEMAP/Nastran, including global FEM build-up, boundary conditions, and modal/random vibration analysis.
• Hands-on experience with the Femap API for scripting and automating analysis workflows.
• Deep understanding of structural fundamentals, including materials, weld design, load paths, and code-based analysis.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Excel/VBA for building internal engineering tools.
• Highly self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or higher degree in mechanical, aerospace, or structural engineering.
• Working knowledge of AISC 360, AWS D1.1, BTH-1, and ASCE 7.
• Experience with lifting equipment design/certification and transportation/shipping analysis, including MIL-STD-810G and FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393.
• Familiarity with ANSYS MAPDL or other FEA solvers in addition to FEMAP/Nastran.
• Experience with pressure vessel or piping structural interfaces, such as ASME B31.3 or Section VIII.
• Demonstrated ability to take structural designs from concept through analysis, test, and production release.
• Familiarity with fabrication and manufacturing environments, including weld processes and design for manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Own structural analysis for skid weldments, secondary structure, and pressure-boundary supports across turbomachinery skids.
• Build, run, and maintain global finite element models (GFEM) of full skid assemblies in FEMAP/Nastran, including static, modal, and random vibration (PSD) analysis.
• Develop and extend Femap API macros and scripts to automate model setup, load application, and freebody force extraction across recurring analysis workflows.
• Perform and review hand calculations and closed-form checks using AISC 360, AWS D1.1, BTH-1, and ASCE 7 to validate FEA results and support design decisions.
• Lead crane lift analysis and lifting lug/padeye design and certification, including multi-point lift geometry and safety factor stack-ups.
• Drive transport and shipping analysis for skid-mounted equipment, including MIL-STD-810G random vibration and FMCSA cargo securement compliance.
• Build and maintain engineering tools using Excel/VBA and Python to scale structural analysis and reduce turnaround time across programs.
• Set and enforce structural analysis standards, calculation templates, and review processes across the engineering organization.
• Represent structures at Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) and produce clear, code-referenced documentation for internal and customer-facing review.
• Partner with fabrication, quality, and manufacturing to ensure weld joint design, NDT requirements, and structural details are manufacturable.

Benefits

• Long-term incentives in the form of stock options may be available to full-time hires.
• Medical coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal