Aircraft Structural Analysis Engineer
Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Pay: Starting at $55.00/hour (Higher pay available based on experience)
We are seeking an experienced Aircraft Structural Analysis Engineer to support aircraft modification, repair, and certification programs. This position is responsible for performing structural analyses, preparing engineering documentation, and ensuring aircraft structures and mechanical systems meet airworthiness and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
Perform structural analyses to support aircraft modifications, repairs, and certification projects.
Evaluate strength, stiffness, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, thermal performance, and structural integrity.
Prepare stress reports, engineering analyses, margin of safety calculations, substantiation packages, and compliance documentation.
Review engineering drawings, aircraft modifications, and design concepts to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and maintainability.
Develop load paths, free-body diagrams, analytical models, and engineering assumptions.
Work closely with mechanical, electrical, certification, production, and quality teams to resolve structural issues and support project execution.
Support fabrication, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and aircraft modification activities.
Assist with certification documentation, engineering reports, test plans, and regulatory submissions.
Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations related to structural safety, reliability, and compliance.
Maintain engineering documentation under configuration control and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Experience performing structural analysis and engineering substantiation for aircraft structures, mechanical systems, or aerospace products.
Knowledge of structural mechanics, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, finite element analysis (FEA), hand calculations, and engineering evaluation methods.
Experience preparing engineering analyses, stress reports, margin of safety calculations, and compliance documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Experience using engineering software such as ANSYS, FEMAP, NASTRAN, Abaqus, Mathcad, or similar analysis tools.
Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, composite structures, fastener systems, and aircraft structural repair methods.
Experience working with customers, FAA representatives, certification authorities, suppliers, or OEMs.
Knowledge of configuration management, engineering release processes, and AS9100 quality standards.
Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in both office and aircraft hangar environments.
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required.
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years supporting aircraft modification, repair, integration, or aerospace product development programs.
Experience supporting FAA certification, STC programs, military airworthiness, or other regulated aerospace projects.
Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-516C requirements and military aircraft modification programs.
Experience performing static strength, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, thermal, and finite element analyses.
Background preparing engineering reports, substantiation packages, certification documentation, and test plans.
Experience supporting aircraft production, installation, ground testing, or flight test activities.
