Senior/Staff/Principal Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense

Purpose

Divergent is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Structural Analysis Engineer to support the development of next-generation aerospace and automotive structures utilizing the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). This role applies advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and CAE methodologies to evaluate, optimize, and validate structural systems while partnering closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Product Engineering throughout the development lifecycle.

Depending on experience and demonstrated technical leadership, this position may be hired at the Senior Engineer (E05), Lead Engineer (E06), or Principal Engineer (E07) level. Engineers at higher levels are expected to provide increasing technical leadership, define engineering methodologies, influence product strategy, and mentor other engineers while solving the organization's most challenging structural analysis problems.

The Role

Structural Analysis

Develop, analyze, validate, and optimize finite element models for structural components, assemblies, and complete vehicle or aerospace systems using advanced CAE methodologies.

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 balancing structural performance, manufacturability, cost, weight, production efficiency, and certification requirements.

Apply advanced material modeling techniques for metals, composites, adhesives, and emerging manufacturing technologies.

Product Development

Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Test Engineering, and Product Engineering to develop manufacturable structural solutions.

Support structural design throughout concept development, detailed design, prototype builds, testing, validation, and production launch.

Drive design improvements, cost reduction initiatives, manufacturability enhancements, and product optimization activities.

Technical Leadership

Present technical findings and engineering recommendations to cross-functional teams, engineering leadership, customers, and external partners as appropriate.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers while promoting engineering best practices.

Contribute to the development of CAE methodologies, modeling standards, simulation workflows, and validation processes.

At higher engineering levels (E06–E07), lead major technical initiatives, establish structural analysis methodologies, define technical approaches for complex programs, and influence engineering decisions across multiple products or programs.

Basic Qualifications

Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.

BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

5+ years (E05), 8+ years (E06), or 12+ years (E07) of structural analysis experience 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 structural behavior of metals, composites, adhesives, and advanced materials.

Experience validating analytical results using engineering calculations and physical testing.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.

Level Expectations

E05 – Senior Engineer

Independently executes highly complex structural analyses across multiple projects.

Serves as a subject matter expert within structural analysis.

Mentors junior engineers and contributes to technical best practices.

Influences project-level engineering decisions.

E06 – Lead Engineer

In addition to E05 expectations:

Leads structural analysis activities for major vehicle or aerospace programs.

Defines analysis strategies and technical methodologies.

Provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Establishes engineering standards and drives continuous improvement.

Influences program-level technical decisions.

E07 – Principal Engineer

In addition to E06 expectations:

Serves as a recognized technical authority in structural analysis.

Establishes long-term structural analysis strategy and technical direction.

Develops innovative CAE methodologies and engineering standards.

Influences engineering decisions across multiple programs and product lines.

Mentors senior engineers and represents Divergent with customers, partners, and technical stakeholders.

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels PNG E05 - PNG E07 as evaluated through our interview process.

PNG / E05: $134,640 - $185,130

PNG / E06: $155,540 - $213,840

PNG / E07: $179,630 - $247,005

Pay Range

$134,640—$247,005 USD