Structural Engineer II (Contingent Upon Awarded)

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Plano (TX); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation in Plano, Texas is seeking a Structural Engineer II to design, evaluate, and certify complex aerospace and defense structures. You will perform advanced structural analysis, develop test plans, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product compliance and performance.

Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 2+ years in structural engineering; ability to obtain a United States Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, or related field.
• 2+ years of structural engineering experience.
• Higher level degree may substitute for experience.
• Proficient in structural analysis and design principles.
• Exposure to static and/or dynamic analyses.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate complex metallic and composite structures.
• Conduct advanced structural analysis and validation.
• Develop and execute test plans for structural components.
• Prepare and review technical documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize structural designs.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Skills

Structural analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Engineering principles

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Civil Engineering

Tools

MSC Patran

NASTRAN

FEMAP

ANSYS

NASGRO

AFGROW

Job description

Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.

Previous experience supporting missile system development programs.

If you like solving problems and working with complex materials and systems, join our amazing team! As a Structural Engineer II, you will play a critical role in designing, evaluating, and certifying complex aerospace and defense structures. You will perform advanced structural analysis, develop test plans, and work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure product compliance and performance.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high‑performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end‑to‑end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate complex metallic and composite structures.
• Conduct advanced structural analysis and validation.
• Develop and execute test plans for structural components.
• Prepare and review technical documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize structural designs.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in structural engineering or a related role.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Proficient understanding of structural analysis and design principles.
• Understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of Computer Aided Engineering tools.
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary design and development teams.
• Exposure to Static and/or Dynamic Analyses.
• Ability to obtain and maintain United States Secret security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with advanced structural analysis tools and software.
• Experience in Engineering Simulation using Finite Element structural analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, Nastran, FEMAP, or ANSYS.
• Experience performing fatigue and damage tolerance analysis utilizing tools such as NASGRO or AFGROW.
• Ability to perform classical analysis using industry standard hand calculation methods.
• Ability to author substantiation reports.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
• Previous experience supporting missile system development programs.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
• Applying systematic and logical problem‑solving techniques to develop structural designs and analysis.
• Clearly convey technical information, design specifications, and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and management.
• Ability to understand technical documents, designs and test reports.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $94,345.12 - $129,724.54. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Important Notice

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state‑of‑the‑art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.