We are looking for a skilled Senior Structural Engineer to contribute to the engineering and development of sophisticated mechanical and structural systems. This opportunity involves working on a diverse range of technologies, including advanced defense systems, mission-critical equipment, ground vehicle platforms, and specialized testing systems.
In this role, you will apply your expertise in structural mechanics, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and engineering design to assess structural performance under demanding operating conditions. A significant portion of the work will involve evaluating steel and aluminum structures, welded assemblies, bolted connections, and components subjected to shock and vibration.
The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capabilities, practical engineering judgment, and experience supporting complex projects from early design through structural validation and testing.
What You'll Be Doing
- Perform detailed structural evaluations and engineering analyses to determine the strength, stability, and performance of mechanical structures and assemblies.
- Utilize FEA software such as FEMAP, MSC Patran, and Nastran, along with traditional engineering calculations, to assess structural behavior under static and dynamic loading conditions.
- Investigate the performance of steel and aluminum structures, with particular attention to welded joints, bolted interfaces, and load-bearing components.
- Assess the structural response of equipment and assemblies exposed to vehicle-induced shock, vibration, and other operational loads.
- Partner with design engineers and technical teams to identify potential structural concerns and recommend practical design improvements.
- Contribute to structural requirements definition, load development, and engineering verification activities.
- Prepare comprehensive structural analysis reports, substantiation documentation, and supporting engineering calculations.
- Provide technical input during design reviews to help ensure structural solutions meet applicable performance and reliability expectations.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to incorporate structural considerations into broader system designs.
- Support the planning, coordination, and evaluation of structural testing and validation activities.
- Participate in engineering assessments involving composite materials and additive-manufactured components, as project needs require.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Typically 6+ years of professional experience performing structural engineering or structural analysis work.
- Strong technical foundation in structural mechanics, engineering analysis methods, and mechanical design principles.
- Hands-on experience conducting static and dynamic structural analyses using classical hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Experience with structural analysis software such as FEMAP, MSC Patran, and Nastran.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate metallic structures, particularly steel and aluminum, including welded connections and bolted joints.
- Experience assessing structural components subjected to shock and vibration associated with vehicle applications.
- Ability to develop clear, technically sound structural substantiation reports and engineering documentation.
- Previous involvement in cross-functional engineering teams supporting product design and development.
- Familiarity with engineering requirements definition and structural loads development.
- Thorough understanding of established engineering principles and structural design practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience within the defense, automotive, maritime, or heavy equipment industries.
- Working knowledge of structural design standards and guidelines, including AWS, AISC, ASTM, ABS, and DoD requirements.
- Advanced experience with FEMAP for structural modeling and simulation.
- Understanding of parametric modeling, model-based definition, material selection, hardware selection, and manufacturing methods.
- Background analyzing structures operating in high-vibration, high-impact, or extreme thermal environments.
- Experience performing structural assessments involving rocket plume loading conditions.
- Familiarity with vehicle dynamics, including suspension behavior, handling characteristics, and structural load transfer.
- Experience supporting the design and development of complex mechanical or vehicle-based systems.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Ability to perform work involving sitting, standing, walking, and occasional stair climbing.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer-based engineering tasks and other activities requiring fine motor coordination.
- Infrequent lifting or carrying of items weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Minimal exposure to outdoor weather conditions, industrial fumes, hazardous substances, or elevated noise levels.
- Location: Englewood, CO
- Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
- Pay: Up to $73 per hour, based on experience
- Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 hrs/week
- Experience: 6+ years of relevant structural engineering experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline