Stress Engineer – Aerospace (Composite Structures)
Job Type: Contract
Pay Rate: $90-$100
Overview
We’re seeking an experienced Stress Analysis Engineer to support a commercial spaceflight program. This role sits within operations engineering and focuses on ensuring the structural integrity of composite flight vehicles across design, manufacturing, and flight.
This is a hands-on engineering role where analysis directly supports production, repairs, and flight readiness.
Responsibilities
- Perform structural and stress analysis of composite components using finite element methods and classical analysis
- Support structural design through prototype, production, and operational phases
- Provide MRB dispositions and support composite repair activities
- Collaborate directly with manufacturing, technicians, and engineering teams to resolve structural issues
- Develop and maintain standardized analysis methods, templates, and documentation
- Support structural testing and validation efforts
- Analyze loads and support post-flight assessments to ensure structural limits are maintained
- Participate in workflow release processes and ensure compliance with design and load requirements
- Balance technical solutions with cost, schedule, and program requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
- 8+ years of experience in structural or stress analysis
- Strong experience with composite structures (analysis, design, and/or repair)
- Experience with finite element analysis tools such as NASTRAN or HyperSizer
- Solid understanding of strength of materials and classical stress analysis techniques
- Experience supporting manufacturing, production, or repair environments (MRB)
- Familiarity with 3D CAD tools such as CATIA V5 or similar
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting flight test or post-flight structural analysis
- Background in spacecraft or high-performance aircraft systems
- Familiarity with AS9100 or FAA regulations
- Experience with PLM or configuration management tools
- Hands-on mechanical or hardware experience
Why This Role
- Direct impact on flight safety and mission success
- Blend of analysis and hands-on engineering
- Exposure to cutting-edge commercial spaceflight systems
- Work across the full lifecycle: design → manufacturing → flight → validation
Additional Details
- U.S. Citizenship may be required due to project constraints
- Must be able to work onsite in Phoenix, AZ
Pay: $90.00 - $100.00 per hour
Work Location: Remote
