Principal Stress Engineer

Airbus Americas; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Paid time off

Health insurance

Leadership development program

Job summary

Airbus Americas, Inc. seeks a Principal Stress Engineer to join our Engineering team in Wichita, KS or Mobile, AL. The role focuses on structural stress analysis for airframes, using classical and FE methods, and requires leadership across design, manufacturing and quality.

Candidates should have 13+ years in stress analysis, strong knowledge of CATIA/NASTRAN/ PATRAN, and proven communication skills in English. Onsite with travel as needed; US work authorization required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering with aero/civil/mechanical focus.
• Minimum thirteen years total experience in stress analysis with airframe structures.
• Depth in classical and numerical (FE) stress analysis methods.
• Ability to lead teams and communicate clearly in English.

Responsibilities

• Autonomously perform complex stress calculations for metallic, composite and hybrid structures.
• Ensure Airbus methods, processes and procedures are followed.
• Liaise with Design, Manufacturing and Quality to deliver optimal stress solutions.
• Develop and mentor engineers in metallic and non‑metallic structural repairs.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, tooling and analysis methods.

Skills

Stress analysis

Finite Element

Team leadership

English comms

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Aero, Civil, Mechanical)

Tools

CATIA

NASTRAN

PATRAN

Job description

Job Description:

Airbus Commercial Aircraft is looking for a Principal Stress Engineer to join our Engineering department based in Wichita, Kansas or Mobile, Alabama.

This position supports the production concessions of aircraft structure and is responsible for quality justifications from a static stress point of view in a timely manner. Duties include performing stress analysis for both metallic and non‑metallic parts while working in close collaboration with design colleagues to provide solutions. Methods include the use of both classical hand calculations and computer techniques to develop efficient solutions to satisfy airworthiness requirements. The role involves ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance while adhering to the terms of the concession.

Meet the team:

Our Engineers have the privilege of working on complex, highly engineered machines and are involved at all stages of the aircraft life cycle, from product development to manufacturing and direct support to our airline customers. If you're interested in designing, creating, and testing the present and future of Airbus products across the globe, join our mission to connect the world.

Your working environment:

Located on the Wichita State University (WSU) innovation campus is Airbus' first dedicated engineering facility outside of Europe. Our team of 200+ support staff and engineers focus on aerostructure design including analysis of aircraft primary structures, such as wings and fuselages, for all major Airbus products across the globe.

How we care for you:

• Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (\"ESOP\")


• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.


• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high‑deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (\"EAP\") and other supplemental benefit coverages.


• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.

Your challenges:

• Autonomously perform unusually complex stress calculations for metallic, composite and hybrid structures to assess design solutions for manufacturing non‑conformities, airframe repairs and reworks, and modifications to the aircraft definition.


• Ensure appropriate Airbus methods, processes and procedures are followed.


• Liaise with and support stakeholders such as Design, Manufacturing, Quality and other Airbus departments as necessary to come up with optimum solutions and ensure Stress requirements are fully integrated.


• Develop and maintain component / aircraft familiarity, to ensure prompt response to build.


• Develop towards and maintain Technical Signature Delegation for concessions for primary and secondary aircraft structures (T400) across multiple suffixes.


• Check and Approve / Pre‑approve stress justification for non‑conformity or modification.


• Develop and mentor other Engineers in all types of metallic and/or non‑metallic structural repairs.


• Drive and execute localized continuous improvement projects, optimizing operational efficiency by advancing internal processes, methodology, and technical tooling.

Your boarding pass:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Engineering (Aero, Civil, Mechanical).


• Minimum thirteen (13) years total experience in stress analysis with airframe structures.


• Position requires in‑depth knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods.


• Capable of working in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment both independently and collectively.


• Dependable, self‑motivated and accessible.


• Team player demonstrating a positive & collaborative attitude.


• Able to lead teams technically to achieve agreed milestones.


• Demonstrates a refined approach to communication that resolves problems, facilitates consensus, and focuses on objectives


• Able to represent Engineering in presentations at any Airbus related activity


• Strong computer background, including MS Excel and Google Suite application experience (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail)


• Experience in airframe design (metallic & composites), stress analysis, SRM, MRB, FAR/JAR/CS/Part21, Certification, CATIA, NASTRAN, and PATRAN, is desired.


• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)


• Authorized to Work in the US.

Physical Requirements:

• Onsite or remote: Onsite 90%


• Vision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings.


• Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms.


• Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications.


• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts.


• Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.


• Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.


• Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools.


• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer.


• Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.


• Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.


• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice.


• Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Americas, Inc.

Employment Type: US - Direct Hire

Experience Level: Professional

Remote Type: On-site

Job Family: Structure & Dynamic Systems Analysis

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].