Aviation Structural Engineering, Lead Associate

Peraton; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking an Aviation Structural Engineering Lead Associate to support the Army's Aviation Engineering Directorate from Redstone Arsenal. You will apply classical structural methods and advanced finite element modeling to evaluate designs, repairs, and redesigns, ensuring airworthiness and compliance with airworthiness qualification requirements for new development aircraft systems.

The role requires experience with static stress, FEA (NASTRAN/FEMAP/ABAQUS), flight testing, and

Qualifications

• Experience performing structural analysis of airframe structure, static and fatigue.
• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis using NASTRAN, FEMAP, or ABAQUS.
• Knowledge/Experience with structural bench testing, static and fatigue of aircraft structural components.
• Experience with structural flight testing, such as Flight Load Surveys.
• Experience supporting airframe production programs, to include MRB and salvage efforts.
• Experience with analysis of rotorhead (dynamic) components a plus.
• Strong Statistical background is desired.
• This position requires an active/current DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain an interim Secret.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Application of standard practice hand calculations of aircraft and component static stress analysis for validation/verification of structural integrity for new design, modification, or structural repair of airframe and rotor head dynamic components.
• Application of Finite Element Analysis Techniques to determine load distributions in aircraft structure. (NASTRAN/FEMAP/ABAQUS)
• Development of structural airworthiness criteria, structural testing requirements, test witnessing, test plan development, determination of flight envelope restrictions, and analysis of flight strain/loads data.
• Evaluation of flight test and full-scale specimen laboratory testing data to establish S-N curves and establish component fatigue lives and retirement times.
• Review of Airworthiness releases, safety of flight messages, and airworthiness evaluations and reports.
• On-site support of structural flight testing and bench testing

Skills

Structural analysis

Flight testing

MRB & salvage experience

Statistical background

Education

BS degree in engineering

MS degree preferred

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

ABAQUS

Job description

Aviation Structural Engineering, Lead Associate

Job Locations: US

Requisition ID: 2026-169330

Position Category: Engineering

Clearance: Secret

Responsibilities

The Aviation Structural Engineering, Lead Associate will provide structural aerospace engineering support to the Structures and Materials Division of the Army's Aviation Engineering Directorate by applying classical structural methods and advanced finite element modeling techniques to evaluate design alternatives, repairs, and/or redesign efforts to ensure structural integrity and airworthiness of all US Army Aircraft. Emphasis will be on understanding/application of Airworthiness Qualification Requirements for New Development Aircraft Systems.

Position is based out of Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. Preference is to be within commutable distance from site, but not required. Telework is available.

What you will do

• Application of standard practice hand calculations of aircraft and component static stress analysis for validation/verification of structural integrity for new design, modification, or structural repair of airframe and rotor head dynamic components.
• Application of Finite Element Analysis Techniques to determine load distributions in aircraft structure. (NASTRAN/FEMAP/ABAQUS)
• Development of structural airworthiness criteria, structural testing requirements, test witnessing, test plan development, determination of flight envelope restrictions, and analysis of flight strain/loads data.
• Evaluation of flight test and full-scale specimen laboratory testing data to establish S-N curves and establish component fatigue lives and retirement times.
• Review of Airworthiness releases, safety of flight messages, and airworthiness evaluations and reports.
• On-site support of structural flight testing and bench testing

Desired

• Familiarity/Experience with Tilt Rotor Aircraft

Qualifications

5 years with BS, 3 Years with an MS

What you will need

• Experience performing structural analysis of airframe structure, static and fatigue.
• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis using NASTRAN, FEMAP, or ABAQUS
• Knowledge/Experience with structural bench testing, static and fatigue of aircraft structural components
• Experience with structural flight testing, such as Flight Load Surveys
• Experience supporting airframe production programs, to include MRB and salvage efforts
• Experience with analysis of rotorhead (dynamic) components a plus
• Strong Statistical background is desired
• This position requires an active/current DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain an interim Secret.
• U.S. citizenship is required

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.