Structural Analyst

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

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a seasoned Structural Analyst to lead structural, mechanical, and thermal analysis for next‑gen autonomous underwater vehicles. You will perform FEA, validate results with hand calculations, and influence design decisions to ensure performance and reliability in demanding marine environments.

The role requires 7+ years of experience, advanced FEA skills (ANSYS/Abaqus/Nastran), and strong communication with cross-functional teams across design, materials, manufacturing, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related.
• 7+ years of structural or stress analysis experience.
• Advanced proficiency with ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or similar FEA software.
• Experience evaluating 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

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Fatigue analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

Structural AnalystShape the Future of Autonomous Maritime Systems

Join a pioneering defense technology company that is redefining how advanced autonomous systems are designed, manufactured, and deployed to support national security missions. This fast-growing organization brings together world-class engineers, innovators, and operators to develop cutting‑edge air, land, sea, and undersea technologies that solve some of the world’s most complex challenges.

We are seeking an experienced Structural Analyst to play a critical role in the development of next‑generation autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering, structural integrity, and mission‑critical hardware development, helping bring revolutionary maritime systems from concept to deployment.

What You'll Do

As a key member of the engineering team, you will own the structural, mechanical, and supporting thermal analysis efforts for large underwater vehicles. Your work will directly influence hardware design decisions and vehicle performance in demanding operational environments.

Key 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.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a 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.

Preferred Experience

• External‑pressure, collapse, or pressure‑boundary analysis.
• Submarine, subsea, pressure‑hull, pressure‑vessel, or underwater vehicle structures.
• Aerospace primary structures and flight‑critical hardware.
• Fatigue, fracture mechanics, weld analysis, and composite structures.
• Familiarity with ABS or equivalent structural design codes.
• Experience selecting and evaluating materials for corrosive and marine environments.
• Structural testing, model correlation, and hardware validation experience.

Why This Opportunity?

• Work on groundbreaking autonomous maritime technology.
• Influence critical engineering decisions on highly innovative products.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams spanning design, manufacturing, materials, and testing.
• Contribute to technologies that have real‑world impact on defense and national security missions.
• Join a high‑performance engineering culture focused on innovation, ownership, and rapid development.

Work Environment

This is a highly technical, analysis‑focused role that remains closely connected to hardware development and testing. You'll spend time collaborating with design engineers, fabrication teams, materials specialists, and test personnel to evaluate complex loading scenarios involving pressure, fatigue, buckling, corrosion, and environmental conditions.

If you are passionate about solving challenging structural engineering problems and want to help develop the next generation of autonomous underwater systems, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $96.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa,CA.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.