Senior Structural Analyst

Socket.dev; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Aviation is seeking an experienced structural analyst to perform and oversee stress analysis for aerospace structures. You will combine hand calculations with FEM (Nastran, Optistruct, Ansys, Abaqus, LS-Dyna) to validate design concepts and structural integrity throughout the program lifecycle.

Lead the development of standards, mentor junior engineers, and ensure analyses support FAA airworthiness documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience with aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicle or powertrain structures.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; MS preferred.
• Proven experience with stress, fatigue, and/or damage tolerance analysis on metallic and/or composite structures.
• Experience in performing structural analysis via a combination of classical hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis.
• Able to develop free-body diagrams for internal and reaction load derivation, and strength analysis.
• Proficient in Nastran, Optistruct, Ansys, Abaqus, LS-Dyna.
• Strong understanding of FEM modeling techniques (boundary conditions, bolted connections, contact, verification methods).
• Knowledge of fatigue/fracture (AFGRO/NASGRO, spectra development, NDE methods, damage tolerance).
• Self-starter, team player, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform trade studies, requirements derivation, and establish overall vehicle configuration.
• Complete hand calculations and FEM analysis of primary and secondary aerospace structures.
• Develop company standards for model creation, strength checks, and analysis reports.
• Compile stress analysis documentation to support release of engineering drawings.
• Mentor designers and junior analysts in stress analytics best practices.
• Provide technical guidance on design concepts balancing risk, cost and performance.
• Conduct stress analysis using FEM for static, dynamic, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
• Support test execution and analyze results to verify designs meet requirements.
• Write detailed substantiation reports to obtain FAA airworthiness approvals.

Skills

Aircraft structures

Finite Element Analysis

Nastran

Optistruct

Ansys

Abaqus

LS-Dyna

Hand calculations

FEM modeling

Fatigue & fracture knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

Nastran

Optistruct

Ansys

Abaqus

LS-Dyna

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What you’ll do:

• Perform trade studies, requirements derivation, and establish the overall vehicle configuration based on requirements
• Complete hand calc and FEM analysis of primary and secondary aerospace structures
• Develop company standards for model creation, strength checks, and analysis report generation
• Compile documentation of stress analysis to support release of engineering drawings and documents
• Work closely with and mentor designers and junior structural analysts in stress/stability/fracture analysis best practices
• Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs. performance)
• Perform stress analysis using Finite Element Methods for static, dynamic, fatigue, and/or damage tolerance to support program design, fabrication, testing, and/or structural integrity activities
• Support test execution and analyze test results to validate and verify that designs meet requirements and specifications
• Write detailed structural substantiation reports and other technical reports as required in order to obtain FAA airworthiness approvals

What you need:

• 5+ years of experience with aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicle or powertrain structures
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering field, M.S. preferred
• Proven experience with stress, fatigue, and/or damage tolerance analysis on both metallic and/or composite structures.
• Experience in performing structural analysis via a combination of classical hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis
• Able to develop free-body diagrams for internal and reaction load derivation, and strength analysis
• Proficient in one or more of the following analysis codes: Nastran, Optistruct , Ansys, Abaqus, LS-Dyna
• Strong understanding of FEM modeling techniques (boundary conditions, bolted connections, contact, verification methods, etc)
• Knowledge of fatigue/fracture (AFGRO/NASGRO, spectra development, NDE methods, damage tolerance)
• Self-starter, team player, and desire to work in a fast-paced environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Knowledge of FAA aircraft certification requirements for Part 23 / Part 27 aircraft
• Experience with development and/or qualification testing
• Familiar with classical aerospace sizing methods (ex: Bruhn, Niu, Roark)
• Experience in process automation using scripting languages such as Matlab and Python

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $144,000.00 - $180,000.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.