Senior Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense

Divergent • Torrance, CA

1d • $134,640 - $247,005

About The Position

Divergent is seeking an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer to support the development of next-generation aerospace and automotive structures using the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The role uses advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) methods to evaluate, optimize, and validate structural systems, partnering with Design, Manufacturing, Materials, Test, and Product Engineering throughout the development lifecycle.

The position may be hired at Senior Engineer (E05), Lead Engineer (E06), or Principal Engineer (E07), depending on experience and demonstrated technical leadership. Higher-level engineers provide increasing technical leadership, define methodologies, influence product strategy, and mentor colleagues while addressing complex structural analysis challenges.

The work includes developing and validating finite element models for components, assemblies, and complete vehicle or aerospace systems; conducting linear and nonlinear analyses; correlating simulations with calculations and physical tests; and recommending solutions that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, weight, production efficiency, and certification requirements. The engineer supports product development from concept and detailed design through prototyping, testing, validation, and production launch. Depending on level, the role also leads major initiatives, establishes analysis methodologies and standards, influences engineering decisions across programs, and represents Divergent with customers and partners.

Work is performed in an office environment and requires operating standard office equipment and keyboards. Candidates must be able to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• At least 5 years of structural analysis experience for E05, 8 years for E06, or 12 years for E07, in aerospace, automotive, or related industries.
• Expert experience with Abaqus, LS-Dyna, Nastran, OptiStruct, or equivalent CAE software.
• Experience performing nonlinear structural analysis, including crash, durability, dynamic, thermal, vibration, or multi-physics simulations.
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics and the structural behavior of metals, composites, adhesives, and advanced materials.
• Experience validating analytical results using engineering calculations and physical testing.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with aerospace structural certification and MIL-STDs.
• Experience supporting DoD, FAA, or other regulatory certification activities.
• Experience developing new simulation methodologies or advanced CAE workflows.
• Experience leading structural analysis for complete vehicle or aerospace programs.
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience presenting technical recommendations to executive leadership or external customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop, analyze, validate, and optimize finite element models for structural components, assemblies, and complete vehicle or aerospace systems.
• Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses, including crash, durability, fatigue, vibration, stiffness, thermal, and multi-physics simulations.
• Validate simulation results using engineering hand calculations, physical testing, and correlation activities.
• Develop engineering recommendations that balance structural performance, manufacturability, cost, weight, production efficiency, and certification requirements.
• Apply material modeling techniques for metals, composites, adhesives, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Materials, Test, and Product Engineering to develop manufacturable structural solutions.
• Support structural design from concept development and detailed design through prototype builds, testing, validation, and production launch.
• Drive design improvements, cost reductions, manufacturability enhancements, and product optimization.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams, engineering leadership, customers, and external partners as appropriate.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers and promote engineering best practices.
• Contribute to CAE methodologies, modeling standards, simulation workflows, and validation processes.
• At E06–E07, lead major technical initiatives, establish structural analysis methodologies, define technical approaches for complex programs, and influence engineering decisions across products or programs.
• At E07, establish long-term structural analysis strategy and technical direction, develop innovative CAE methodologies and standards, and represent Divergent with customers, partners, and technical stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown.
• Paid parental leave.
• HMO and Premium PPO health plan options.
• Company-sponsored life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.

What This Job Offers

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