Stress Analyst Aircraft Structures for Fastwater Staffing and Recruiting

HIKINEX; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HIKINEX in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a senior aerospace structures engineer to lead development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts from concept to prototype manufacturing.

You will perform complex modeling and FEA, apply DFM concepts, conduct trade studies, and collaborate across disciplines to meet schedule and cost objectives. Bachelor's in aerospace/mechanical engineering and 5+ years' experience required, with active U.S. security clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in aerospace structures design/analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD and data analysis.
• Experience with structural modelling and simulation tools (ANSYS/NASTRAN).
• Strong knowledge of material properties, stress analysis, fatigue, load paths, and design practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Self-driven with autonomy in a dynamic environment.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Utilize first principle methods and design tools to develop new aircraft products
• Own development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts and assemblies from preliminary design through prototype manufacturing
• Perform complex modeling and finite element analysis at the detailed component level, major assembly level, and aircraft level
• Apply design for manufacturing concepts to create cost effective, manufacturable solutions
• Conduct trade studies and design/analysis research to optimize weight, performance, cost, and schedule
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment to solve open-ended problems with schedule and cost objectives
• Coordinate work with mechanical systems, systems integration, aerodynamics, manufacturing, and project engineering
• Onsite engineering support at manufacturing and integration sites

Skills

CAD proficiency

Structural analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Equivalent experience

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Siemens NX

FEMAP

Job description

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Utilize first principle methods and design tools to develop new aircraft products
• Own development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts and assemblies (metallic and composite) from preliminary design through prototype manufacturing
• Perform complex modeling and finite element analysis at the detailed component level, major assembly level, and aircraft level (analysis simulations to include strength, buckling, damage tolerance, and delamination)
• Apply design for manufacturing concepts to create solutions that are cost effective and easy to manufacture at rate
• Conduct trade studies and perform design and analysis research of complex engineering concepts to determine an optimal solution for weight, performance, manufacturability, cost, and/or schedule
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment to solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on schedule and cost objectives
• Coordinate work with mechanical systems, systems integration, aerodynamics, manufacturing, project engineering, and other team members
• Onsite engineering support at manufacturing and integration sites

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace structures design, analysis, or related roles
• Proficiency in CAD software and experience with engineering data analysis
• Proven expertise in structural modelling and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of material properties, stress analysis, fatigue assessment, load paths, design practices, and hand calculations
• Strong technical knowledge in core engineering principles, fundamental mechanics of composite materials, design, analysis, testing, and fabrication
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills
• Self‑driven with a strong sense of autonomy and adaptability in a dynamic environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with clean sheet aircraft configuration
• Siemens NX proficiency
• FEMAP proficiency
• Experience with fast paced prototype design and manufacture of uncrewed aircraft
• Experience with high temperature materials selection
• Broad experience across a range of aircraft programs
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing
• Practical aircraft knowledge (pilots license, A&P, etc.)