Sr. Structural Engineer

Job Title: Senior Structural Engineer

Location: Tampa, FL, USA

Job Type: Contract to Hire 6+ months

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Structural Engineer specializing in aircraft structures to join our team. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, analysis, and optimization of structural components for our unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vehicles (USV). You will collaborate closely with our engineering team to develop innovative solutions and enhance the performance and reliability of our products.

Essential Functions:

• Design & Analysis: Lead the structural layout, sizing, and detail design of components.
• Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing teams to create fabrication and assembly instructions.
• Structural Analysis: Analyze loads on composite laminates, metallic structures, and plastic components using empirical methods, hand calculations, and finite element analysis (FEA).
• FEA Tools: Conduct static and dynamic structural analyses using FEA tools.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Flight Testing: Support flight test planning, execution, and aircraft modifications.
• Innovation: Identify and implement solutions to complex structural engineering challenges.
• Compliance: Ensure structural designs comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Guides & Toolsets: Develop design guides and toolsets for use by other engineers.
• Additional Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions:

• Attendance: Regular and reliable attendance on a full-time basis.
• Professional Behavior: Exhibit professional behavior with internal and external associates, reflecting positively on the company.
• Cultural Alignment: Embody our client's cultural values and align daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Aircraft Load Paths: Foundational knowledge of aircraft load paths and structural sizing.
• Composite Structures: Expert understanding of composite structures and their application to aircraft.
• FEA Proficiency: Proficiency in FEA toolsets such as FEMAP or NASTRAN.
• CAD Software: Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA).
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication: Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Flexibility: Ability to adjust priorities to meet evolving requirements and challenges.
• Initiative: Proactive in day-to-day tasks and confident in making decisions.

Education and Certifications:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree.

Experience:

• Structural Engineering: 8+ years of experience in structural engineering.
• Aerospace Industry: Proven experience in structural analysis and design, preferably in the aerospace industry.
• Hands-On Design: Hands-on design and build experience.
• Prototyping: Experience with rapid prototyping.
• Defense Industry: Experience in the defense industry is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting & Reaching: Frequently required to sit and reach to use computers and other office equipment.
• Standing: Occasionally required to stand for extended periods.
• Repetitive Movements: Occasionally required to perform repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and fingers.

Security Clearance:

• DoD Clearance: Ability to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret DoD clearance. U.S. Citizenship required.