Staff Structures Engineer

Heart Aerospace; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is seeking a Staff Structures Engineer to join their team in Los Angeles. This role focuses on the design and analysis of a cutting-edge hybrid-electric aircraft, contributing to the future of sustainable aviation. You'll leverage your extensive experience in structural mechanics and CAD tools to develop robust solutions, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering and want to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking environment, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in primary structure design for vehicles.
• Expert proficiency in mechanical CAD tools and FEA software.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex structural analyses using FEA and analytical methods.
• Develop structural requirements and collaborate with teams.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Mechanical CAD (Siemens NX, CATIA)

Aerospace Materials Knowledge

Structural Mechanics Principles

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

ANSYS

Job description

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade.

Our headquarters is based in Gothenburg, Sweden and we are now opening up a R&D hub in Los Angeles, which will focus on the advancement of Heart’s hybrid-electric propulsion system and other key technologies.

Your mission

Heart is building a hybrid, battery-electric regional aircraft to decarbonize and democratize aviation. The aircraft fuselage and wing are fully composite and designed in-house, with aluminum substructure and fittings. As a Staff Structures Engineer on the aerostructures team, you will be responsible for the design and analysis, and oversight of production and validation of primary structure for the airframe.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Independently perform complex structural analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) and other analytical methods to predict performance under various loading conditions (static, dynamic, fatigue, etc.).
• Develop and author comprehensive structural requirements, specifications, and analysis reports with minimal guidance.
• Generate high quality 3D CAD models and 2D Drawings
• Collaborate closely and effectively with design, manufacturing, and testing teams, providing expert structural guidance to ensure designs are sound and meet all requirements.
• Lead and participate in structural testing programs, expertly analyze test data, and take ownership of generating detailed test reports.
• Proactively investigate and resolve complex structural issues that arise during development, testing, or in-service, providing robust solutions.
• Develop and champion innovative structural solutions to optimize weight, cost, and performance, often taking the lead on these efforts.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in aerospace materials and structural analysis techniques, proactively integrating new knowledge into our processes.
• Mentor and provide significant technical guidance and leadership to junior engineers.
• Contribute significantly to the development and improvement of structural analysis methodologies and best practices within the team.

You will initially report to the CTO and belong to the Structures Team. Your place of work will be at our office located in El Segundo, CA (Los Angeles).

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• 8+ years professional experience in the design of primary structure for vehicles.
• Expert proficiency in a mechanical CAD tool (e.g., Siemens NX, CATIA) and advanced FEA software (e.g., NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS).
• Deep and comprehensive understanding of engineering fundamentals and advanced structural mechanics principles.
• Extensive knowledge of aerospace materials (metals, composites, etc.) and their behavior under complex loading scenarios.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead technical aspects within a team environment.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• Thorough familiarity with aerospace design and regulatory standards (e.g., FAA, EASA).
• In-depth understanding of composite material mechanics and experience with composite structural analysis.
• Experience with hands-on production of composite and aluminum parts. Strong grasp of capabilities and limitations of a range of manufacturing methods.Significant experience with structural testing methodologies, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Demonstrated experience with hand-calculation methods for preliminary and verification structural analysis.
• Proven capability to take designs from concept through to analysis and production, working independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical manufacturing fundamentals, including advanced GD&T concepts and application.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.