Senior Structural Aerospace Engineer New Indianapolis, IN

Quest Defense; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employer 401(k) matching

Medical/dental/life insurance

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Structural Aerospace Engineer to lead structural analysis, design, and testing for next-generation aircraft components. You will perform hand calculations and FEA, mentor teammates, and oversee work packages (10–25%).

Proximity to Indianapolis preferred; remote work available with up to 25% travel. US citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of Aerospace experience preferred.
• Significant experience in structural analysis and design.
• Proficiency in ANSYS, ABAQUS and Siemens NX CAD.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural/stress analysis using hand calculations and finite element analysis.
• Perform structural dynamic analysis, including rotor dynamics and torsional system dynamics.
• Work with designers to optimize structural designs for strength and weight.
• Analyze failure modes, support test programs, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support structural testing and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Structural analysis

Aerospace engineering

Mentorship

Finite Element Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Siemens NX

Job description

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking Senior Structural Aerospace Engineers to support next-generation aerospace systems.

This role sits at the center of structural integrity and performance—working across analysis, design, and testing to ensure critical aircraft components meet demanding safety, weight, and durability requirements. You’ll be hands-on with both classical stress analysis and advanced simulation, influencing real design decisions and seeing your work carry through from concept to validation. You'll also drive technical mentorship and work package oversight (10–25%), and function as the senior subject matter expert coaching team members, tracking project workflows, and supporting leadership with planning updates.

If you enjoy solving complex structural challenges, working closely with design teams, and having a direct impact on flight-critical hardware, this is the kind of role where your work actually shows up in the final product.

Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be US Citizens or US lawful permanent resident.

This role is remote and can have up to 25% travel as needed. Proximity to Indianapolis preferred. Eastern or Central time zone preferred

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform structural/stress analysis using a combination of hand calculations and finite element analysis


• Perform structural dynamic analysis, including rotor dynamics, torsional system dynamic analysis, and environmental equivalence.


• Work with designers to incorporate analysis findings, influence load paths, and optimize structural designs for strength, weight, and manufacturability.


• Analyzing failure modes, supporting test programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and customer requirements


• Support structural testing, ensuring designs meet regulatory standards, and communicating findings to cross-functional teams.


• Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs. performance)


• Compile documentation of stress analysis to support release of engineering drawings and documents


• Support test execution and analyze test results to validate and verify that designs meet requirements and specifications


• Effectively manage multiple priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or a related field


• 10+ years of Aerospace experience preferred


• Significant experience in structural analysis and design


• Proficiency in engineering software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS and Siemens NX (Unigraphics) CAD


• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, and material science, with the ability to interpret complex results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)


• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact.You’llgrow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

WhatYou’llFind Here

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety-and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.


• GrowthThat’sSupported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certificationassistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.


• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/lifeand disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$125,000 - $150,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.