Structures Analyst
Group Overview
Aerospace Engineering Group (AERO) provides an integrated, end-to-end capability for the rapid modification and fielding of mission-specific aircraft. The Airborne Asset Adaptation (A3) Cell acts as the central command and coordination hub, managing requirements and external interfaces from inception to operational delivery. Specialized technical execution is delivered by the Aircraft Integration Centre (AIC), a Part 145 facility focused on airframe modification, and Aerospace Design (ASD), which provides organic design engineering and FAA-authorized certification. Collectively, these elements bridge the gap between initial requirements and the deployment of flight-certified, mission-ready assets.
Position Summary
In the Structures Analyst role, you will analyze and substantiate aircraft structural modifications that enable special mission equipment integration across general aviation, business, transport, and military derivative aircraft. You will evaluate structural strength and durability, develop analysis models and calculations, and prepare substantiation reports supporting design decisions and certification. You will support major alterations and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) projects involving the FAA and the Peregrine Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). You will work with design engineers, certification personnel, and installation teams to establish analysis requirements, resolve structural issues, and demonstrate compliance with the applicable project certification basis.
What You'll Do
Review customer requirements, aircraft drawings, installation concepts, and certification requirements to define structural analysis scope, assumptions, and required substantiation
Establish applicable load cases and load paths with design and certification teams, including inertial, aerodynamic, pressurization, and ground loads as relevant to the modification
Perform classical hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) of equipment supports, joints, fasteners, sheet metal and machined parts, sandwich panels, and affected aircraft structure
Evaluate stresses, deflections, joint loads, yielding, ultimate strength, and buckling; select and document material allowables, factors, failure criteria, and margins of safety
Develop and verify finite element models, documenting idealization, mesh convergence, boundary conditions, and load application. Check results against independent calculations and available test data
Assess fatigue and damage-tolerance implications where applicable. Perform analyses within demonstrated competence and coordinate specialist support for work outside that scope
Prepare configuration-controlled structural substantiation reports documenting methods, inputs, assumptions, results, limitations, and compliance conclusions for technical review and approval
Recommend design changes, assess installation deviations and engineering changes, and support structural test plans, test-data evaluation, and resolution of analysis-to-test discrepancies
Participate in aircraft surveys and design reviews; coordinate with FAA and ODA personnel through established project channels; and resolve technical review comments and maintain analysis traceability
What You Bring
Experience with special mission aircraft modifications, equipment racks, mounting provisions, and structural integration of mission systems
Experience supporting major alterations or STC projects in coordination with FAA or ODA certification personnel
Familiarity with structural substantiation documentation, aircraft certification requirements, and configuration-controlled technical data packages
Working knowledge of aircraft structural design fundamentals, sheet metal and machined-part fabrication, materials, fasteners, and corrosion protection
Ability to interpret aircraft drawings and technical data and translate survey information into accurate, buildable designs
Ability to prepare clear engineering documentation and communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, project managers, and customers
Ability to manage concurrent assignments, identify technical risks, and seek clarification or escalate issues when needed
At least two years of relevant aircraft structural stress analysis experience, including substantiation of aircraft components, equipment installations, or modifications
Working proficiency with an engineering finite element solver and pre/post-processing tools, with the ability to explain modeling choices and independently check results
Working knowledge of statics, strength of materials, structural mechanics, aircraft load paths, metallic material behavior, joint analysis, and structural stability
Ability to perform classical stress calculations, select appropriate material allowables, and calculate and interpret margins of safety for relevant failure modes
Ability to interpret aircraft drawings and 3D models and document analysis assumptions, methods, results, and limitations in clear technical reports
Ability to work with design engineers and certification personnel, manage concurrent assignments, and identify and escalate technical risks or missing data
Proficiency with engineering calculation tools, such as Mathcad or controlled Excel worksheets, and Microsoft Office applications
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Experience substantiating special mission aircraft modifications, equipment racks, mounting provisions, and changes to existing airframe structure
Experience preparing structural compliance reports for major alterations or STC projects involving FAA, ODA, or delegated engineering review
Experience with fatigue and damage-tolerance methods, vibration or modal analysis, or structural test planning and correlation
Experience analyzing honeycomb sandwich panels, bonded joints, or composite structures, and applying recognized aircraft structural analysis methods and material allowables
Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools, configuration management, and scripting or automation of repeatable analysis tasks
Benefits
Comprehensive medical plan options
HSA/FSA accounts
Dental and vision coverage
6% employer 401(k) match
Fully paid parental leave for all new parents
Generous PTO
Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage
AD&D Coverage
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub
Work Authorization / Security Clearance
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must be a U.S. citizen. No security clearance required.
AAP/EEO Statement
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.
Work Environment
This job operates in an office setting .
Travel
Travel requirements are less than 20%.