Primary Aircraft Structural Analyst

Position Summary

Structural Analyst to support primary structure design and analysis on a clean-sheet aircraft program. This role performs stress and structural substantiation of primary structure using both finite element methods (FEMAP/NASTRAN) and classical hand analysis, working closely with Design, Loads, and Materials & Processes engineering through the early design phases of a new aircraft development program.

Responsibilities

•     Perform static, fatigue, and damage tolerance analysis of primary fuselage structure – frames, skins, stringers, longerons, joints, splices, and cutouts 

•     Build, run, and interpret finite element models in FEMAP with NASTRAN to substantiate structural margins

•     Perform independent hand analysis / classical methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark’s) to verify FEM results and support preliminary sizing before models mature

•     Develop and maintain stress reports, margin-of-safety summaries, and analysis documentation

•     Support structural sizing and trade studies 

•     Support load path development, free-body diagrams, and internal load derivation for primary structure

•     Coordinate with design engineering on structural configuration, material selection, and producibility

Required Qualifications

•     Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (or related field)

•     10+ years of structural analysis experience on aircraft or aerospace primary structure

•     Direct experience with primary structure – frames, skins, stringers, splices, joints, cutouts, and pressurized structure

•     Experience on clean-sheet / new aircraft development programs (not solely sustaining engineering)

•     Proficiency in FEMAP for finite element model build, with NASTRAN (or equivalent) for solution and results interpretation

•     Strong hand-analysis / classical structural analysis skills (Bruhn, Niu, Roark’s, or equivalent methods) – able to work independently of FEM when needed

•     Working knowledge of metallic and/or composite structural analysis methods, fastener and joint analysis, and fatigue & damage tolerance principles

•     Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) per ITAR export control requirements

•     Strong written communication skills for stress reports and design review documentation

Preferred Qualifications

•     Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline

•     Experience analyzing composite primary structure in addition to metallics

•     Prior experience on a clean-sheet commercial or military fixed-wing aircraft program