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Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer Jobs

L3HHCM20

Lead, Structural Engineering

Waco, TX · On-site

Lead, Structural Engineering Job Code: 42428 Job Location: Waco, TX Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees ... structural analysis in support of design and certification for aircraft primary structures ...

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Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer information

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$43K

$103.5K

$192.5K

How much do aircraft structural analysis design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft structural analysis design engineer in the United States is $103,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aircraft structural analysis design engineer do?

An Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer is responsible for designing and analyzing the structural components of aircraft to ensure they are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations. They use engineering principles and software tools to evaluate stress, fatigue, and performance of various materials and structures. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, conducting tests, and making recommendations for improvements or modifications during the design and manufacturing processes.

What are the most common challenges faced by aircraft structural analysis design engineers during the development of new aircraft components?

Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineers often face challenges such as balancing weight reduction with structural integrity, meeting strict regulatory and safety standards, and integrating new materials or technologies into designs. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, manufacturing, and systems engineers—is crucial to ensure that the components are not only strong and lightweight but also manufacturable and maintainable. Time management and effective communication are essential, as design iterations can be frequent and must align with project timelines and certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft structural analysis design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, materials science, and structural analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as CATIA, NASTRAN, ANSYS, and familiarity with CAD and FEA software is essential, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design integrity. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aircraft structures.

What is the difference between Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer vs Aircraft Stress Analyst?

AspectAircraft Structural Analysis Design EngineerAircraft Stress Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like ASNT or NDT often preferredSimilar engineering degrees, often with specialized training in stress analysis and certifications in nondestructive testing
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, R&D labs, and manufacturing facilities within aerospace companiesTesting labs, analysis departments, and design teams in aerospace firms
Industry UsageInvolved in designing and analyzing aircraft structures for safety and performanceFocuses on analyzing stress and strain in aircraft components to ensure structural integrity

The Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer and Aircraft Stress Analyst roles overlap in education and industry environment, but the former emphasizes designing and analyzing aircraft structures, while the latter specializes in stress testing and analysis to verify structural safety. Both roles are essential in aerospace engineering for ensuring aircraft durability and safety.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer jobs?

For Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,463 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Aircraft Structural Analysis Engineer

Newport News, VA • On-site

Qualdoc
Strategic Planning Consulting Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Qualdocexternal

$55/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Aircraft Structural Analysis Engineer

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Starting Pay: $55/hour; higher pay may be available based on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an Aircraft Structural Analysis Engineer to support aircraft modification, repair, integration, and certification projects. This position focuses on evaluating aircraft structures and mechanical installations for strength, stiffness, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, and overall airworthiness.

The engineer will create structural analyses and technical documentation used to support design decisions, aircraft modifications, repairs, testing, and certification. The role involves collaboration with engineering, design, electrical, certification, production, quality, and other project teams.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience performing structural analysis and engineering substantiation for aircraft, aerospace products, mechanical systems, or related structures.
  • Knowledge of structural mechanics, materials, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, FEA, classical hand calculations, and engineering evaluation methods.
  • Experience preparing stress reports, engineering analyses, margin of safety calculations, and compliance documentation.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to work in both office and aircraft hangar environments.
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.
  • Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, fastener systems, composite structures, and aircraft structural repair practices.
  • Experience with engineering analysis software such as ANSYS, FEMAP, NASTRAN, Abaqus, Mathcad, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience working with customers, DERs, FAA representatives, OEMs, suppliers, or certification authorities.
  • Familiarity with configuration management, engineering release procedures, and aerospace quality systems such as AS9100.
Preferred Experience
  • 5+ years supporting aircraft modification, repair, integration, or aerospace product development.
  • Experience with FAA certification, STC programs, military airworthiness, or other regulated aerospace projects.
  • Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-516C and military aircraft modification programs.
  • Experience conducting static strength, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, thermal, or finite element analyses.
  • Experience preparing engineering reports, substantiation packages, compliance documentation, test plans, and certification support materials.
  • Experience supporting aircraft production, modification, installation, ground testing, or flight test activities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform structural evaluations and develop substantiation for aircraft modifications, repairs, and certification efforts.
  • Conduct static strength, fatigue, damage tolerance, vibration, thermal, FEA, and other analyses as required.
  • Establish structural load paths, free-body diagrams, analytical models, assumptions, and supporting calculations.
  • Prepare stress reports, engineering reports, margin of safety calculations, compliance data, and technical documentation.
  • Evaluate designs, drawings, and proposed modifications for structural integrity, manufacturability, maintainability, safety, and compliance.
  • Work with engineering, design, electrical, certification, production, quality, and external teams to resolve structural issues.
  • Support certification documentation, compliance activities, test planning, and regulatory/customer approvals.
  • Provide engineering assistance during fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, testing, and aircraft modification.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations related to structural integrity, performance, reliability, maintainability, and safety.
  • Maintain analyses and technical records under configuration control and follow applicable engineering standards and procedures.
  • Contribute to improvements in analysis methods, design standards, processes, and lessons learned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Engineering Manager.
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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