Structural Analysis/Materials Engineer III

MD Helicopters Inc.; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MD Helicopters Inc. is seeking a Structural Analysis/Materials Engineer III to perform advanced structural and materials analyses for rotorcraft.

You will evaluate structural integrity, develop material specifications, and define testing processes to ensure compliance with FAA and company standards. The role requires applying chemistry, physics, and material behavior to optimize materials for helicopter structures and systems, collaborating with design, manufacturing, quality, and certification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• 6–8 years of relevant aerospace structural/materials analysis experience.
• Knowledge of materials specifications for mechanical systems and parts.
• Understanding of FAA certification requirements and production design processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and document structural integrity of helicopter systems drawings.
• Perform structural analysis of metallic and composite structures using hand calculations, FEA.
• Conduct static, dynamic, fatigue, and vibration analyses of rotorcraft components.
• Define bench testing and instrumentation requirements for components and assemblies.
• Ensure AS9100 compliance and coordinate across design, manufacturing, and certification teams.
• Develop material properties and processing specifications for components.

Skills

Structural analysis

Rotorcraft loads

Composite/metal analysis

Familiar with standards

Analytical reasoning

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MATHCAD

UG NX

NASTRAN/FEMAP

Job description

Structural Analysis/Materials Engineer III# Structural Analysis/Materials Engineer IIIHot JobMesa HQ AZ - Mesa, AZ 85215## OverviewPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftDayEducation Level4 Year DegreeTravel PercentageNegligibleCategoryEngineering## DescriptionPerform advanced structural and materials analysis for aerospace (rotorcraft) applications to ensure the integrity, reliability, and compliance of helicopter components and systems. Evaluate technical and economic factors and recommend engineering/manufacturing actions to achieve design objectives by applying material science and related technologies.**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** include the following.* Analyze and document structural integrity of detail, assembly, and installation drawings for helicopter systems.* Perform structural analysis of metallic and composite structures using hand calculations, computer-aided methods, and finite element analysis (FEA).* Conduct static, dynamic, fatigue, and vibration analyses on rotorcraft components and interpret dynamic system results.* Support flight strain survey instrumentation definition, pre-/post-flight data processing, and analysis.* Substantiate alterations, repairs, and rework of rotorcraft structures in accordance with applicable standards.* Analyze, research, design, and develop materials, material specifications, and related fabrication/application processes to optimize materials for structures, systems, and subsystems.* Apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop specifications for metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials; define fabrication, assembly, and testing processes.* Develop, analyze, and apply material properties and design allowables; define manufacturing processes and quality engineering specifications.* Perform materials analyses including failure analysis of components/systems/subsystems, life predictions, and definition of requirements/specifications.* Define component qualification processes; establish materials testing requirements; write test plans and technical reports.* Review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures (as applicable).* Act as AS9100 Engineering Representative to ensure process and documentation compliance.* Define bench testing, design test fixtures, and instrumentation requirements for components and assemblies.* Utilize engineering and analysis tools (e.g., MATHCAD, UG NX, NASTRAN/FEMAP) to model, simulate, and validate performance.* Prepare test plans, reports, and certification documentation; ensure alignment with FAA and company standards (FAA Structures DER experience or ability to achieve designation is preferred).* Work collaboratively across design, manufacturing, quality, and certification teams to meet engineering objectives.* Maintain access and adherence to Export Control information handling requirements.* Other duties may be assigned.**SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES**None## Qualifications**SKILLS AND ABILITIES*** Deep knowledge of structural analysis concepts (static, dynamic, fatigue) and rotorcraft flight loads/airframe behavior.* Proficiency with composite and metallic structures analysis; statistical tools for failure/root-cause analysis.* Familiarity with government/industry specifications and standards (MIL, FED, AMS, NAS, ASTM, etc.).* Strong analytic and scientific reasoning; ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables.* Prior exposure in aircraft/aerospace engineering (preferred).* Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project).* The ability to understand and follow instructions and the ability to concentrate.* Excellent written, verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills.* The ability to work effectively as part of a team.* Access to Export Control Information.* Regular onsite attendance.**EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE*** Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering; Master’s preferred or equivalent combination of experience and a Bachelor’s Degree.* 6–8 years of relevant experience in structural/materials analysis for aerospace applications.* Knowledge of materials used in engineering applications and defining material specifications for mechanical systems and detail parts (e.g., fuselage cells, electro-mechanical components, fuel systems, power-plant installation, flight controls, rotor systems, hydraulics, metallic and non-metallic primary/secondary structures).* Understanding of both development and production design processes, including research of materials, processes, and specifications.* Ability to quickly learn processes for mechanical aircraft systems, implementations/integrations, troubleshooting techniques, acceptance testing (on/off aircraft), configuration management, and FAA certification requirements.* Prior aircraft/aerospace exposure preferred; working knowledge of additive manufacturing is a plus.* FAA Structures DER certification (or ability to achieve) is a plus.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.This document does not create employment contracts, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.**CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS**None required; FAA Structures DER is a plus.**WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS**The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.* Work performed in an office and factory settings.* Occasional exposure to shop environment such as noise, dust, odors, and fumes.* Occasionally required to lift up to 20 lbs.* Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about facilities.*A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.**MD Helicopters, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that includes veterans and individuals with disabilities.*