Senior Structural Analyst - Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Actalent; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks an experienced Structural Analyst to own structural, mechanical, and thermal analyses for autonomous underwater vehicle hardware in Costa Mesa. You will lead FEA studies and validate results through hand calculations, guiding design decisions across cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 7+ years of structural analysis experience, proficiency with ANSYS/Abaqus/Nastran, and a strong grasp of mechanics and material behavior.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience performing structural or stress analysis on complex hardware systems.
• Advanced proficiency with ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or similar FEA software.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating structurally critical hardware through FEA and analytical methods.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, material behavior, and failure modes.
• Ability to communicate technical findings and present recommendations to cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural, mechanical, and thermal analyses for autonomous underwater vehicle platforms.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using industry-standard tools and validate results through engineering hand calculations.
• Analyze structures for buckling, fatigue, fracture, collapse, and load-path performance.
• Support engineering trade studies and provide technical recommendations during design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with design, materials, manufacturing, and test teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Participate in prototype development, integration activities, and structural test campaigns.
• Develop and execute structural validation methodologies for complex hardware systems.
• Interpret test data and correlate analytical models to improve design accuracy.
• Drive engineering decisions through rigorous analysis and validated test results.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA software tools

Finite Element Analysis

Communication

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

Actalent seeks an experienced Structural Analyst to own structural, mechanical, and thermal analyses for autonomous underwater vehicle hardware in Costa Mesa. You will lead FEA studies and validate results through hand calculations, guiding design decisions across cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 7+ years of structural analysis experience, proficiency with ANSYS/Abaqus/Nastran, and a strong grasp of mechanics and material behavior.