Freelance Structural Analysis Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description: Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award. Summary Astronics Structural Analysis Engineers ensure our products and installations are industry-leading in performance and robustness through advanced FEA, empirical analysis, and physical testing. As a Structural Analysis Engineer IV, you'll bring deep expertise in structural substantiation for STC and OEM aircraft modifications, mentor rising engineers, and collaborate across design, certification, and OEM teams to get groundbreaking aviation technology safely airborne. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Perform structural substantiation for commercial aircraft radome installations in support of STC and OEM Service Bulletin certification programs.Develop and evaluate structural finite element models using FEMAP/Nastran, supported by classical hand analysis methods.Analyze aircraft structure, installation hardware, fasteners, joints, fittings, adapter plates, and interface structure for strength, stiffness, stability, bearing, bypass, and combined loading.Review loads, drawings, material data, installation layouts, and OEM requirements to establish analysis methods, assumptions, and margins of safety.Prepare clear structural analysis reports, substantiation packages, and certification documentation for FAA/EASA, DER/ODA UM, OEM, and customer review.Coordinate with design, certification, manufacturing, program management, and regulatory representatives to resolve technical issues and support approval activities.Support fatigue and damage tolerance, crack growth, nonlinear dynamic, impact, bird strike, test correlation, and other advanced analyses as required.Develop and use engineering tools, scripts, and automation methods using MATLAB, Python, or similar software.Provide technical guidance, peer review, and mentoring to junior engineers. Supervisory Responsibilities and General Authorities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and/or Experience Required:Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or related discipline.Minimum of 5 years of relevant structural analysis experience, preferably involving aircraft structures or aircraft modifications.Proficiency with FEMAP/Nastran and classical hand analysis methods.Experience with fastener and joint analysis, load path evaluation, margins of safety, and structural substantiation reporting.Working knowledge of aircraft certification requirements and documentation expectations for FAA/EASA, STC, or OEM approval.Strong communication skills and ability to work independently with cross-functional engineering and certification teamsDirect experience working in an engineering/technical organization with strict document control processes and procedures and the ability to adhere to themFamiliarity with certification of commercial aircraft structures Preferred:Experience with commercial aircraft radome, antenna, or external equipment installations.Experience supporting STC or OEM Service Bulletin certification programs.Familiarity with OEM structural manuals, stress methods, allowables, and aircraft-specific requirements.Experience with composite structure, bonded joints, sandwich panels, or radome structure.Experience with AFGROW or NASGRO for fatigue, damage tolerance, or crack growth analysis.Experience with LS-DYNA for nonlinear dynamic, impact, or bird strike analysis.Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for engineering calculations, data processing, or automation.Experience mentoring junior engineers or reviewing structural analysis work. Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Employs logic when solving problems.Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Builds knowledge base from research and experience.Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; Takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes.Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.Written Communication - Writes clearly, concisely and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works in an ethical manner and with integrity; Upholds organizational values.Organizational Support – Disciplined in thought and action; Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Strives to increase productivity.Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Follows up on assigned tasks; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Participates and facilitates brainstorming activities; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention. Language Skills Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, blueprints, product and component specifications, data sheets and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively communicate technical details, design concepts, analysis results, and substantiation via verbal or written mediums. Ability to contribute to technical discussions before groups of customers and/or employees. Mathematical Skills Ability to read and interpret figures, graphs and plots. Ability to solve algebraic, geometry and calculus-based problems. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve engineering and technical problems. Ability to manage, organize, analyze and decipher large amounts of data. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical, technical and engineering problems via a logical, analytic approach. Ability to simplify complicated problems using assumptions. Ability to validate work using verification techniques. Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of electronic equipment. Additionally, intermediate PC skills and knowledge of Internet and Microsoft Office applications are required. Computer experience/operation is necessary. Other Skills and Abilities Ability to multi-task. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Strong time management and organizational skills. Ability to work under dynamic schedule constraints and consistently meet deliverable timelines. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to high voltage electricity. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment. The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $110,000 to $154,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth. Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase PlanThe Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness ProgramTime for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program Accommodation Request Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC-HR-All@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Additional Information: This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary