Contract Fracture Mechanics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation industry to hire an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer for a 12-month consulting opportunity in Oklahoma City, OK. This is an exciting opportunity to support critical aircraft modification, repair, and sustainment programs while applying advanced Durability and Damage Tolerance (DaDT) analysis to ensure the structural integrity, reliability, and longevity of complex airframe systems.

If you are passionate about fracture mechanics, finite element analysis, and solving complex structural challenges, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on aircraft that support vital aerospace and defense missions.

Job Title: Structural Analysis Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (12-Month Assignment)
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift (8:00 AM-5:00 PM)
Pay Rate: Starting at $86.75 per Hour

As a Structural Analysis Engineer, you will play a critical role in evaluating and validating aircraft structural integrity throughout the product lifecycle. Your expertise in Durability and Damage Tolerance analysis will help ensure aircraft remain safe, mission-ready, and compliant with rigorous industry and military standards.

• Perform Durability and Damage Tolerance (DaDT) analyses for aircraft structures, repairs, modifications, and upgrades.
• Develop, execute, review, and manage structural finite element models.
• Conduct failsafe analyses, durability life calculations, and damage tolerance assessments for fracture-critical components.
• Calculate aircraft inspection intervals based on crack growth rates and structural integrity requirements.
• Apply Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics principles to evaluate airframe performance.
• Utilize crack growth analysis tools such as NASGRO, AFGROW, GROWTH, NASA/FLAGRO, and BEAS.
• Perform spectrum analysis and apply Paris Law methodologies to predict crack growth and structural life.
• Develop finite element models to determine crack growth coefficients and analyze structural behavior.
• Verify structural integrity through analytical methods, simulations, and advanced modeling techniques.
• Ensure compliance with USAF Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) requirements.
• Investigate in-service structural issues, analyze failures, and recommend improvements.
• Support aircraft sustainment initiatives through analytical assessment and repair development.
• Develop and improve analytical methods, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support structural design, validation, and certification efforts.
• Lead repair development activities and prepare supporting structural documentation.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while driving technical excellence.

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of experience in structural analysis.
• 10+ years of experience in fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, and/or Durability & Damage Tolerance analysis.
• Ability to independently build, execute, review, and manage structural finite element models for DaDT applications.
• Expertise in Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM).
• Strong experience applying Paris Law and Spectrum Analysis methodologies.
• Proficiency with crack growth analysis tools, including:
  • NASGRO
  • AFGROW
  • GROWTH
  • NASA/FLAGRO
  • BEAS
• Strong understanding of aircraft structures, load paths, and finite element modeling techniques.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Oklahoma City, OK.
• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
   

• Active U.S. Secret Clearance.
• Familiarity with industry-standard Durability and Damage Tolerance methodologies and practices.
• Experience with:
  • HyperMesh
  • StressCheck
  • Abaqus CAE
  • Nastran
• Familiarity with Lifeworks.
• Graduate-level coursework in Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics.
• Experience validating and verifying finite element model results.
• Knowledge of aircraft structural design principles, including:
  • Fatigue
  • Damage tolerance
  • Corrosion
  • Stress analysis
  • Material strength and characteristics
  • Structural repair techniques
• Experience supporting commercial derivative and military aircraft programs.
• Advanced degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.

Support high-impact aircraft sustainment, modification, and modernization initiatives that contribute to mission readiness and aviation safety.

Apply advanced analytical methods and engineering expertise to complex structural problems that demand innovative thinking and precision.

Join a team of highly skilled engineers and technical professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Your work will directly influence aircraft safety, structural integrity, fleet availability, and long-term operational success.

Gain valuable experience with advanced fracture mechanics, finite element modeling, crack growth analysis, and structural life assessment methodologies.

Earn a starting pay rate of $86.75 per hour while contributing to some of the aviation industry's most challenging and rewarding engineering programs.

If you're an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer with expertise in Durability & Damage Tolerance, fracture mechanics, and advanced finite element analysis, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact on world-class aerospace programs.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial to help advance the engineering excellence that keeps critical aircraft flying safely, reliably, and efficiently.

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Every year, PDS Tech Commercial and PDS Defense place thousands of skilled trades and engineering associates into roles all across the nation. Since our founding in 1977, we have maintained the highest standard of service and satisfaction among both talent and clients.

Today, we continue to deliver exceptional services as a proud member of The Adecco Group (TAG) family, a leading global workforce solutions provider. What does this mean for you? We are united by a powerful mission: making the future work for everyone. We offer our local experience paired with global resources, bringing significant advantages to all our areas of expertise. From end-to-end digital recruitment to priority redeployment and beyond, we are committed to building a better world of work for all.