Structural Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial; California; On-site; USD 94,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Structural Engineer for a 4-month consultant role in El Segundo, CA. You will develop structural analysis packages for tooling fixtures used in aerospace fabrication, including assembly stands, lifting jigs, composite tooling, and related production equipment.

You will perform hand calculations and FEA, evaluate stress and fatigue, and work with NX/CATIA to create fabrication drawings that meet ASME standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline required.
• Experience supporting tooling fabrication, production fabrication, or related environments.
• Experience performing structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Knowledge of stress analysis methods, concepts, and engineering practices.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as NX and CATIA.
• Ability to create, interpret, and review engineering drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME drawing standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools (e.g., FEMAP, NASTRAN).
• Analyze static and dynamic loading for tooling fixtures and supporting structures.
• Evaluate designs involving metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials.
• Assess stress, fatigue, durability, stability, load paths, and damage tolerance for tooling.
• Develop and conceptualize designs using 3D modeling tools such as NX and CATIA.
• Create fabrication drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.1-Y14.5 standards.
• Author detailed structural analysis reports and engineering documentation.
• Review analysis reports prepared by other engineers.
• Verify engineering products for compliance with specs, standards, and procedures.

Skills

FEA

Hand calculations

Stress analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM

Tools

NX

CATIA

Job description

Job Description

Structural EngineerEngineer the Tools Behind Aerospace Innovation

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a premier leader in the aerospace industry to hire a Structural Engineer for an exciting opportunity in El Segundo, California. If you're passionate about structural analysis, advanced tooling design, and solving complex engineering challenges, this role offers the chance to make a direct impact on cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing and production programs.

Join a team where your expertise will help ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of critical tooling fixtures, assembly structures, lifting devices, and manufacturing equipment that support the development of next-generation aerospace technologies.

Location: El Segundo, CA 90245
Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (4-Month Assignment)
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 9/80 Work Schedule
Pay Rate: $80.38 per hour

Make an Impact on Aerospace Manufacturing Excellence

As a Structural Engineer, you'll support a high-performing Tooling Engineering team by developing structural analysis packages that demonstrate compliance and integrity for tooling fixtures used in aerospace fabrication environments.

From assembly work stands and lifting jigs to composite tooling and production equipment, your work will help ensure manufacturing operations run safely, efficiently, and in accordance with rigorous engineering standards.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys combining analytical expertise, practical fabrication knowledge, and innovative problem-solving to support complex aerospace programs.

What You’ll Do

Structural Analysis & Engineering

• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) tools, including FEMAP and NASTRAN.


• Analyze static and dynamic loading conditions for tooling fixtures, lifting equipment, and support structures.


• Evaluate engineering designs involving metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials.


• Assess stress, fatigue, durability, stability, load paths, and damage tolerance for tooling applications.

Design & Development

• Support the design and development of:
  
  
  • Assembly work stands
  
  
  • Lifting jigs
  
  
  • Composite dies
  
  
  • Drill fixtures
  
  
  • Machine attachments
  
  
  • Production and experimental tooling
  
  


• Develop and conceptualize designs using 3D modeling tools such as NX and CATIA.


• Create fabrication drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.1-Y14.5 standards.

Documentation & Technical Reviews

• Author detailed structural analysis reports and engineering documentation.


• Review analysis reports prepared by other engineers.


• Verify engineering products for compliance with specifications, standards, and procedures.


• Present technical findings, recommendations, and solutions to management and customer representatives.

Collaboration & Problem Solving

• Work closely with engineers, designers, manufacturing teams, and tooling specialists.


• Participate in technical reviews, team meetings, and problem-solving sessions.


• Provide guidance regarding fabrication and machine shop best practices.


• Support process improvements and innovative engineering solutions.

Safety & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate structural and operational safety risks.


• Ensure tooling designs comply with applicable company, industry, and government standards.


• Support compliance efforts for aerospace manufacturing and production operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline


• Experience supporting medium-to-large-scale tooling fabrication, production fabrication, manufacturing operations, or related engineering environments


• Experience performing structural analysis using:
  
  
  • Hand calculations
  
  
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  
  


• Knowledge of stress analysis methods, concepts, and engineering practices


• Familiarity with CAD tools such as:
  
  
  • NX
  
  
  • CATIA
  
  


• Ability to create, interpret, and review engineering drawings and specifications


• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME drawing standards


• Strong communication and collaboration skills


• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams


• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.


• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of c