Senior Mechanical Engineer, Stress Analysis

LTA Research; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, and vision

Company-paid life and disability ins.

Parental leave

PTO plus holidays

401(k) matching

Job summary

LTA Research & Exploration in Sunnyvale, California is seeking a structures engineer to tackle challenging aerospace structural problems. You will perform static, buckling, and modal analysis, develop and maintain FEMs, and support fast-turn design trades.

Collaborate across Systems, Avionics, Materials & Testing, and Manufacturing, size components from concept sketches to CAD, and verify results with tests and documentation. On-site role with relocation options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of structural design/analysis experience.
• Proficient with FEA software (FEMAP, Nastran, ANSYS, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of static strength, buckling, and modal/dynamic analysis.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar).
• Experience with joint analysis (bolted, bonded, welded).
• Scripting in Python, MATLAB, or VBA to automate workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform static, buckling, and modal analysis on airframe and structural components using FEA tools.
• Develop and maintain finite element models including mesh generation and load case setup.
• Size and design components from concept sketches to CAD drawings.
• Correlate analytical models with test data from static and modal tests.
• Collaborate with Systems, Avionics, Materials & Testing, and Manufacturing teams.
• Document analysis methods and results in formal reports.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of structural prototypes.

Skills

FEA fundamentals

CAD proficiency

Scripting

3D CAD

Python/MATLAB/VBA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

FEMAP

Nastran

ANSYS

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

We're looking for a structures engineer with strong design and analysis fundamentals, someone eager to learn and flexible enough to take on whatever a fast-moving hardware program throws at them. You'll work in an exciting, fast-paced environment tackling some of the most challenging structural problems in aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis (static, buckling, and modal) on airframe, gondola, and equipment mount structures using FEA tools (FEMAP/NX Nastran or equivalent)
• Develop and maintain finite element models, including mesh generation, load case setup, and post-processing of results
• Perform hand calculations to size structures, verify FEA results, and support quick-turn design trades
• Size and design structural components and assemblies, from concept sketches through detailed CAD
• Correlate analytical models against test data (static load tests, modal surveys, ground vibration testing)
• Support design trade studies weighing weight, strength, manufacturability, and cost
• Document analysis methodology, assumptions, and results in formal engineering reports
• Collaborate with Systems, Avionics, Soft Structures, Materials & Testing, and Manufacturing teams to integrate structural designs with the broader vehicle
• Support fabrication, assembly, and test of structural prototypes and hardware
• Investigate and resolve structural issues found during build, test, or field operations
• Perform joint analysis (bolted, bonded, and welded) to size fasteners, adhesives, and welds and substantiate joint margins

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in structural design and/or analysis
• Hands-on experience with FEA software (e.g., FEMAP, Nastran, ANSYS, or similar)
• Highly developed knowledge of structural analysis fundamentals: static strength, buckling, and modal/dynamic analysis
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
• Experience with joint analysis (bolted, bonded, and/or welded joints)
• Scripting/programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or VBA) to automate analysis and modeling workflows
• Must be able to work on-site in Sunnyvale, California

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lighter-than-air, aerospace, or other weight-critical vehicle structures
• Experience correlating FEA models to physical test data
• Familiarity with composite structures (CFRP) design and analysis
• Experience with structural dynamics (modal testing, vibration analysis)
• Experience with fatigue analysis and life prediction
• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or low-volume prototype development environment
• Familiarity with GD&T and manufacturing drawing standards

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, :70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable
• Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge

$150,000 - $190,000 a year

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.