Senior Structural Analyst

Hansell Tierney; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Hansell Tierney is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst to lead comprehensive structural and mechanical analyses across the full product lifecycle, from concept through flight hardware. You will mentor analysts, define test plans, and guide design decisions with engineering partners in a fast-paced setting.

The role requires 5+ years in structural analysis, experience with FEA tools, and familiarity with NASA standards. Seattle-based with hybrid work 3 days/week; US work authorization required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of structural analysis experience in aerospace or nuclear contexts.
• Proficient with FEA tools (ANSYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus/Nastran/LS-DYNA a plus).
• Experience with dynamic analyses: random vibration, transient response, and thermal loads.
• Familiar with NASA standards and aerospace verification processes.
• Ability to produce stress reports and margin justifications for aerospace customers.
• Strong technical writing and ability to communicate with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed structural/mechanical analyses across program phases (concept to flight hardware).
• Evaluate performance against limits, codes, and verification expectations; produce traceable docs.
• Define test plans; correlate test data to models and refine predictions.
• Mentor internal analysts; review vendor analyses for quality and rigor.
• Collaborate with design teams on sizing, materials, and manufacturability.

Skills

Structural analysis

Dynamic structural analysis

Technical writing

Mentoring/leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. preferred

Tools

ANSYS Mechanical

Abaqus

Nastran

LS-DYNA

SolidWorks

Job description

Our client, a mission-driven organization developing highly regulated, flight-class energy and power technologies, is looking for a Senior Structural Analyst to lead structural and mechanical analysis across the full product lifecycle—from early concept and prototyping through qualification and flight hardware.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will perform and lead detailed structural/mechanical analyses for complex structures, subsystems, and components operating in demanding mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments. You will evaluate performance against structural limits, applicable codes/standards, and verification expectations, producing clear, traceable analysis documentation. You’ll also help define test plans to validate analytical results, correlate test data back to models, and guide design decisions with engineering partners. This position will mentor other analysts and review partner/vendor analysis deliverables for technical rigor and quality consistency.

Location:

Seattle, WA area (Hybrid/Onsite 3 days/week)

US citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply.

Work sponsorship is not available at this time.

Compensation Range: $140,000 - $185,000 year

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural and mechanical analyses of structures, subsystems, and components across all program phases (concept, prototype, qualification, flight hardware).
• Evaluate mechanical performance against structural limits, regulatory requirements, and applicable design/pressure vessel codes (e.g., ASME BPVC, AWS D1.1).
• Apply flight-class structural design and verification standards to ensure compliance with integrity, safety factors, and documentation practices (e.g., NASA structural standards such as NASA-STD-5001/5012 and related handbooks/standards).
• Assess margins and performance under mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments using static, modal, vibration, and explicit dynamic analyses.
• Produce clear, traceable analysis reports and provide actionable guidance to engineering stakeholders.
• Develop test requirements and validation plans; correlate test results to analytical models and refine predictions accordingly.
• Mentor internal analysts; review vendor/partner analysis deliverables for accuracy, compliance, and quality consistency.
• Provide input to mechanical design teams on sizing, configuration, and material selection.
• Collaborate closely with systems, materials, and test engineering to drive robust, manufacturable, testable designs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• 5+ years of structural analysis experience in steady-state, random vibration, and thermal environments (aerospace and/or nuclear highly relevant).
• Strong proficiency with FEA tools (ANSYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus, Nastran, LS-DYNA a plus).
• Deep background in dynamic structural analysis (random vibration, sine sweep, shock, transient response).
• Experience with impact, re-entry, or launch environment analyses (preferred).
• Working knowledge of aerospace/flight structural verification processes and standards (NASA standards highly desired).
• Familiarity with fracture mechanics, fatigue life estimation, and damage tolerance.
• Experience producing stress reports and margin justifications consistent with aerospace or prime-contractor expectations.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience working within structured quality systems (e.g., NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar).
• Excellent technical writing and the ability to present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-starter able to lead analysis efforts with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits Disclosure

The compensation range listed above represents the expected range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience, skills, internal equity, and geographic location.

Benefits available to eligible employees or consultants may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and other employer-sponsored programs.

This role may also be eligible for bonus, commission, or other incentive compensation depending on the position and company policies.