Structures Engineer

Whisper Aero; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Relocation assistance

Professional development stipend

Paid time off

HSA/FSA options

Job summary

Whisper Aero is seeking a Structures Engineer to design, analyze, and optimize propulsion components, collaborating with the Structures Lead and hardware team. The role emphasizes structural sizing, configuration layouts, and testing support for flight projects.

You will apply finite element methods, develop material allowables, and write sizing tools while enhancing collaboration across design and manufacturing teams. This is a growth-focused role in a cutting-edge propulsion environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, civil engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years related experience (3 years with a Master's, 1 year with a PhD).
• Proficiency in statics, solid mechanics, and free-body diagrams.
• Experience with finite element modeling (NX/Nastran, ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.).
• Skilled in a 3D CAD package (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA V5, Fusion 360).
• Basic understanding of metallic and composite materials manufacturing.
• Experience in programming (Python, Julia, VBA, Matlab).

Responsibilities

• Participate in reviews and provide design/flight sciences feedback.
• Use FEA and classical methods to evaluate strength, deflection, vibration, fatigue life, and damage tolerance.
• Perform structural configurations layouts and sizing of future design concepts.
• Provide testing support for flight projects and proposals.
• Provide structural engineering knowledge to project personnel and contractors through all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Develop allowables from novel materials.
• Write analysis tools (scripts, spreadsheets) for sizing parts.
• Provide support to customers for product integration issues.
• Write technical reports for peer review.

Skills

Statics & solid mechanics

Free-body diagrams

Finite element modeling

FEM software

3D CAD

Metallic & composite materials

Programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, civil engineering, or related

Master's degree reduces experience requirement

PhD reduces experience requirement

Tools

NX

Nastran

ANSYS

Abaqus

SolidWorks

CATIA V5

Fusion 360

Job description

Our Company Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that's as considerate as it is compelling with its world‑class team in Tennessee.

About The Role

Whisper Aero is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Structures Engineer to assist in building next‑generation air propulsion systems. This role involves structural design, analysis, and optimization of components and systems, driving key structural design decisions in collaboration with our Structures Lead, Chief Engineer, and hardware team.

What You'll Do

• Participate in and present during reviews, provide feedback to the design and flight sciences teams.
• Use finite element analysis and classical methods to evaluate for strength, deflection, vibration, fatigue life, and damage tolerance using best modeling practices.
• Perform structural configuration layouts and sizing of future design propulsor and platform concepts.
• Provide testing support for flight projects, study tasks & proposals.
• Provide structural engineering knowledge to project personnel and contractors through all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Develop allowables from novel materials.
• Author analysis tools for designers to use in sizing new parts (scripts, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Provide support to customers for issues that arise in product integration.
• Write technical reports that are accurate and comprehensive to be peer‑reviewed by other team members.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience (3 years with a Master's, 1 year with a PhD).
• Proficiency in statics, solid mechanics, and free-body diagrams.
• Experience with finite element modeling (NX/Nastran, ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.).
• Skilled in a 3D CAD package (Solidworks, NX, CATIA V5, Fusion 360).
• Basic understanding of metallic and composite materials manufacturing.
• Experience in programming (Python, Julia, VBA, Matlab).

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge in aeroelastics and structural dynamics.
• Experience with rotor blade structural analysis and optimization.
• Familiarity with HyperX, electric machines, and motors.
• Hands‑on experience in CNC machining, composites, 3D printing, prototyping, mechanical assembly.
• Familiarity developing workflows with AI tools like Claude Code, Codex (not just ChatGPT).

Benefits

• Top‑tier Benefits: Employee‑first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum 90% employer‑paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings.
• PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days.
• Competitive Salary: Value‑based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee's no‑income‑tax life.
• End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees.
• We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
• 401(k).
• Relocation Assistance.
• Professional Development Stipend.

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization.