Senior Mechanical Engineer, Stress Analysis
LTA Research•Sunnyvale, CA
•$150,000 - $190,000•Onsite
About The Position
We are looking for a structures engineer with strong design and analysis fundamentals, someone eager to learn and flexible enough to take on whatever a fast-moving hardware program throws at them. You will work in an exciting, fast-paced environment tackling some of the most challenging structural problems in aerospace.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field
- 5+ years of relevant experience in structural design and/or analysis
- Hands-on experience with FEA software (e.g., FEMAP, Nastran, ANSYS, or similar)
- Highly developed knowledge of structural analysis fundamentals: static strength, buckling, and modal/dynamic analysis
- Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
- Experience with joint analysis (bolted, bonded, and/or welded joints)
- Scripting/programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or VBA) to automate analysis and modeling workflows
- Must be able to work on-site in Sunnyvale, California
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
- Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
Nice To Haves
- Experience with lighter-than-air, aerospace, or other weight-critical vehicle structures
- Experience correlating FEA models to physical test data
- Familiarity with composite structures (CFRP) design and analysis
- Experience with structural dynamics (modal testing, vibration analysis)
- Experience with fatigue analysis and life prediction
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or low-volume prototype development environment
- Familiarity with GD&T and manufacturing drawing standards
Responsibilities
- Perform structural analysis (static, buckling, and modal) on airframe, gondola, and equipment mount structures using FEA tools (FEMAP/NX Nastran or equivalent)
- Develop and maintain finite element models, including mesh generation, load case setup, and post-processing of results
- Perform hand calculations to size structures, verify FEA results, and support quick-turn design trades
- Size and design structural components and assemblies, from concept sketches through detailed CAD
- Correlate analytical models against test data (static load tests, modal surveys, ground vibration testing)
- Support design trade studies weighing weight, strength, manufacturability, and cost
- Document analysis methodology, assumptions, and results in formal engineering reports
- Collaborate with Systems, Avionics, Soft Structures, Materials & Testing, and Manufacturing teams to integrate structural designs with the broader vehicle
- Support fabrication, assembly, and test of structural prototypes and hardware
- Investigate and resolve structural issues found during build, test, or during field operations
- Perform joint analysis (bolted, bonded, and welded) to size fasteners, adhesives, and welds and substantiate joint margins
Benefits
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
