Principal Structures Design Engineer

Principal Structures Design Engineer Overview

• The Principal Structures Design Engineer will lead technical efforts in structural analysis, guiding programs from concept to flight operations.
• Serve as the authority on structural analysis, ensuring technical excellence and consistency across programs.
• Develop and execute advanced analyses for metallic and composite structures, utilizing high-fidelity finite element models.
• Define methodologies, standards, and best practices for structural analysis and verification strategies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize structural performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Lead structural verification activities, including test planning, instrumentation, and post-test assessments.
• Mentor engineers, review analyses, and uphold high standards for technical quality.
• Present recommendations and risk assessments to leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
• Drive innovation through advanced simulation, automation, and emerging material technologies.

Principal Structures Design Engineer Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Lead the development of static, dynamic, and fatigue analyses for aerospace structures.
• Develop and manage finite element models for system-level structural analysis.
• Define and implement structural analysis methodologies and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize designs for performance and certification compliance.
• Oversee structural verification activities, including test planning and model correlation.
• Provide technical leadership during ground and flight test campaigns.
• Mentor engineers and review structural analyses to ensure technical rigor.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure program success.
• Promote continuous improvement through advanced engineering practices and tools.

Principal Structures Design Engineer Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Structural Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in structural analysis and dynamics for aerospace systems.
• Expertise in finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN.
• Proficiency in CAD platforms like Siemens NX or SolidWorks.
• Advanced programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Experience with structural testing, including static and fatigue analysis.
• Ability to lead technical efforts and deliver high-quality solutions independently.
• Strong communication skills for presenting to leadership and stakeholders.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.