Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense

Divergent • Torrance, CA

1d • $100,980 - $247,005

About The Position

Divergent is seeking an experienced and motivated analysis engineer to support the development of advanced vehicle structural systems using new materials and technologies. The Structural Analyst will build and manage finite element models of structural components and full system architectures for aerospace and automotive platforms, and conduct detailed engineering analyses using CAE programs. The role works closely with engineers across disciplines to understand manufacturing and design capabilities and limitations, ensuring proposed changes can be produced and assembled efficiently.

The position involves applying advanced finite element and CAE methods to structural challenges, validating analyses, presenting results, and developing technical solutions for aerospace structures and customer programs. The analyst collaborates within the DAPS Product Engineering team and across functions to release structures optimized for mass, production, and assembly, while also supporting product improvements and prototype and production build activities. Work is performed in an office environment.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.2.
• 0–2 years of experience in aerospace or automotive structural analysis, or equivalent.
• 0–2 years of experience with analysis software packages such as Nastran, Optistruct, ABAQUS, and/or LS-Dyna.
• Strong foundation in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; new graduates of Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 will also be considered.
• Outstanding comprehension of solid mechanics.
• Solid understanding of linear and nonlinear behavior of advanced materials, including composites, adhesives, and metals, for lightweight structural solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to self-start, manage workload, and execute to tight schedules.

Nice To Haves

• 1–2 years of industry experience in nonlinear, dynamic stiffness, and durability analyses of structural components.
• Experience with material characterization and physical-test correlation at component or system level using CAE.
• Structural optimization experience.
• Proficiency with Altair HyperMesh or Beta CAE ANSA preprocessors.
• Experience in fast-phase startup environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and analyze finite element models of Node™-based vehicle structures for aerospace flight applications or automotive use cases, including validation using hand calculations and optimization.
• Apply nonlinear geometry, nonlinear material, implicit, and explicit FE/CAE techniques to address complex multiphysics problems.
• Present technical analysis summaries and reports at meetings and to relevant engineers.
• Create, refine, and execute technical solutions for aerospace structures in support of external customer programs and joint development efforts.
• Collaborate within the DAPS Product Engineering team and cross-functionally with other disciplines to design and release structures optimized for mass, production, and assembly.
• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reductions, methods and product improvements, and support prototype and production build activities.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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