Structural Analysis/Materials Engineer III

MD HELICOPTERS LLC•Mesa, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Perform advanced structural and materials analysis for aerospace rotorcraft applications to ensure the integrity, reliability, and compliance of helicopter components and systems. Evaluate technical and economic factors and recommend engineering and manufacturing actions to achieve design objectives by applying materials science and related technologies. The role analyzes structural integrity and material performance across helicopter systems and components; supports testing, certification, manufacturing, and repair activities; and collaborates with design, manufacturing, quality, and certification teams. It also serves as an AS9100 Engineering Representative, helps ensure process and documentation compliance, and requires adherence to Export Control information-handling requirements. The position is based in an office and factory setting, with occasional exposure to shop conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering, or an equivalent combination of experience and a bachelor’s degree.
6–8 years of relevant experience in structural and materials analysis for aerospace applications.
Deep knowledge of structural analysis concepts, including static, dynamic, and fatigue analysis, and rotorcraft flight loads and airframe behavior.
Proficiency in analysis of composite and metallic structures.
Knowledge of materials used in engineering applications and experience defining material specifications for mechanical systems and detail parts.
Understanding of development and production design processes, including research of materials, processes, and specifications.
Familiarity with government and industry specifications and standards, including MIL, FED, AMS, NAS, and ASTM.
Strong analytical and scientific reasoning skills, including the ability to work with abstract and concrete variables.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Project.
Ability to understand and follow instructions and maintain concentration.
Excellent written, verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to access Export Control Information.
Regular onsite attendance.
Ability to quickly learn mechanical aircraft-system processes, implementations and integrations, troubleshooting techniques, acceptance testing on and off aircraft, configuration management, and FAA certification requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Prior aircraft or aerospace engineering exposure.
Working knowledge of additive manufacturing.
FAA Structures DER certification, or ability to achieve the designation.

Responsibilities

Analyze and document the structural integrity of detail, assembly, and installation drawings for helicopter systems.
Perform structural analysis of metallic and composite structures using hand calculations, computer-aided methods, and finite element analysis (FEA).
Conduct static, dynamic, fatigue, and vibration analyses on rotorcraft components and interpret dynamic system results.
Support flight strain survey instrumentation definition, pre-flight and post-flight data processing, and analysis.
Substantiate alterations, repairs, and rework of rotorcraft structures in accordance with applicable standards.
Analyze, research, design, and develop materials, material specifications, and fabrication and application processes to optimize materials for structures, systems, and subsystems.
Apply chemistry, physics, and material behavior principles to develop specifications for metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials, and define fabrication, assembly, and testing processes.
Develop, analyze, and apply material properties and design allowables; define manufacturing processes and quality engineering specifications.
Perform materials analyses, including component, system, and subsystem failure analysis, life predictions, and definition of requirements and specifications.
Define component qualification processes, establish materials testing requirements, and write test plans and technical reports.
Review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures, as applicable.
Act as AS9100 Engineering Representative to ensure process and documentation compliance.
Define bench testing, design test fixtures, and establish instrumentation requirements for components and assemblies.
Use engineering and analysis tools, including MATHCAD, UG NX, and NASTRAN/FEMAP, to model, simulate, and validate performance.
Prepare test plans, reports, and certification documentation in alignment with FAA and company standards.
Collaborate across design, manufacturing, quality, and certification teams to meet engineering objectives.
Maintain access to and adhere to Export Control information-handling requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.