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Structural Analysis Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Structural Analyst

Burlingame, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Role Overview As a Structural Analyst on Xona's Mechanical and Thermal team, you'll own the ... Experience or interest in thermal analysis and collaborating closely with thermal engineers. For U.

Structural Analyst

Burlingame, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Role Overview As a Structural Analyst on Xona's Mechanical and Thermal team, you'll own the ... Experience or interest in thermal analysis and collaborating closely with thermal engineers. For U.

Senior Structural Analyst

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $180K/yr

Compile documentation of stress analysis to support release of engineering drawings and documents * Work closely with and mentor designers and junior structural analysts in stress/stability/fracture ...

Staff Structural Analyst

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Act as a technical mentor and guide for analysis engineers. Develop training materials and conduct ... Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural dynamics and non-linear material behavior;

Senior Structural Analyst

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $180K/yr

Compile documentation of stress analysis to support release of engineering drawings and documents * Work closely with and mentor designers and junior structural analysts in stress/stability/fracture ...

Sr. Rotor/Hub Structural Analyst

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $180K/yr

Perform detailed structural analyses of dynamic system components, including the rotor system ... mechanical engineering, or related field * 5+ years of experience in design and analysis of ...

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Structural Analysis Engineer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

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How much do structural analysis engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural analysis engineer in Sunnyvale, CA is $76.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64.33 and $89.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a structural analysis engineer do?

As a structural analysis engineer, you test equipment, buildings, and manufactured products to determine whether or not they meet performance goals, standards, regulations, and requirements. You may perform a stress test on various materials, monitor construction data, evaluate equipment or design blueprints, and otherwise help to ensure the final product is structurally sound. Most structural analysis engineers focus on building construction, but some work with aircraft, cars, or other heavy equipment instead. This job is highly time-sensitive because construction often cannot proceed until structural analysis checks are done. So, the ability to work quickly and efficiently is essential to success in this role.

What does a structural analysis engineer do?

A Structural Analysis Engineer is responsible for evaluating the strength, stability, and rigidity of structures such as buildings, bridges, aircraft, and other frameworks. They use mathematical models, computer simulations, and physical testing to ensure designs can withstand various loads and stresses during their lifespan. Their work helps prevent structural failures and ensures compliance with safety codes and standards. Structural Analysis Engineers often collaborate with architects, designers, and construction teams to optimize material use and design efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural analysis engineer?

To excel as a Structural Analysis Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or mechanical engineering, expertise in structural mechanics, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS or Abaqus, as well as CAD and simulation tools, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help engineers interpret data and work collaboratively. These skills ensure the safe and efficient design, evaluation, and optimization of structures, which is critical for public safety and project success.

What are some common challenges faced by structural analysis engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural Analysis Engineers often collaborate with teams from mechanical, electrical, and architectural disciplines. A common challenge is ensuring that structural requirements are balanced with other project needs, such as space constraints or integration with non-structural systems. Effective communication and early involvement in project planning help address potential conflicts and ensure that safety and performance standards are met without delays. Adaptability and strong teamwork skills are essential for navigating these complex, collaborative environments.

What is the difference between Structural Analysis Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural Analysis EngineerCivil Engineer
Primary FocusAnalyzing and designing structural components and systemsDesigning, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings
CertificationsFE/EIT, PE (Structural)FE/EIT, PE (Civil)
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, construction sites, consultingConstruction sites, government agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageCommon in structural design projectsBroader, includes structural but also transportation, environmental, and geotechnical

While both roles require engineering credentials and often work in similar environments, Structural Analysis Engineers specialize in analyzing and designing structural components, whereas Civil Engineers have a broader scope including infrastructure and environmental projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Analysis Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA?

For Structural Analysis Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Structural Analysis Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Structural Analysis Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:

What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Structural Analysis Engineer jobs?

Cities near Sunnyvale, CA with the most Structural Analysis Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Structural Analysis Engineer job openings in Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,005 per year, or $76.4 per hour.

Structural Analyst

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA โ€ข On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform structural analyses of aerospace components and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA) and classical hand calculations

  • Support the design and optimization of primary and secondary structures for strength, stiffness, fatigue, and stability requirements

  • Develop structural analysis plans, reports, and verification documentation to support design reviews and flight qualification


Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
Role Overview
As a Structural Analyst on Xona's Mechanical and Thermal team, you'll own the structural analysis, sizing, and verification of spacecraft hardware from early concept development through qualification testing and production release. From detailed component breakout models to full system models, your work will ensure the mechanical designs meet the strength, stiffness, and performance requirements needed to deliver Xona's high-accuracy and high-precision PNT service.
This is a high-ownership, fast-moving role with significant responsibility for progressing designs forward on schedule, writing clear documentation, and supporting hands-on test operations. Success in this role requires operating with a high degree of ownership, collaborating across disciplines, anticipating challenges before they arise, and driving work forward with minimal oversight.
Responsibilities
  • Perform structural analyses of aerospace components and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA) and classical hand calculations
  • Support the design and optimization of primary and secondary structures for strength, stiffness, fatigue, and stability requirements
  • Develop, refine, and validate finite element models for metallic and composite structures
  • Evaluate structural performance under static, dynamic, thermal, vibration, and launch or flight loading conditions
  • Develop structural analysis plans, reports, and verification documentation to support design reviews and flight qualification.
  • Support design reviews by communicating analytical results, assumptions, margins, and recommendations to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Work closely with design, manufacturing, test, and systems engineers to improve structural performance while meeting mass, cost, and schedule targets
  • Interpret test data and correlate analytical models with experimental results
  • Support root-cause investigations and structural assessments for hardware anomalies and test failures

Required Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • 1+ years of structural analysis experience (or equivalent internship, research, or university project experience)
  • Proficiency with finite element analysis software (Femap/Nastran preferred)
  • Experience developing finite element models and applying analytical methods to support structural design decisions
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural sizing and designing for minimum mass while maintaining adequate strength and stiffness margins
  • Experience performing strength assessments for metallic structures and mechanical joints
  • Demonstrated ability to independently drive technical work, solve engineering problems, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
  • Willing and able to travel to support off-site testing as needed

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience developing, building, and testing spacecraft hardware, including ownership from initial design through qualification and production handoff.
  • Experience supporting engineering trade studies involving structural architecture, material selection, composites, mass optimization, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft structural verification, including environmental testing (quasi-static, random vibration, sine vibration, acoustic, shock), test planning, sensor selection, force limiting, and test execution.
  • Experience correlating finite element models with structural test data.
  • Ability to review and work directly with CAD geometry (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Experience developing analysis automation tools using the Femap API, Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages.
  • Experience or interest in thermal analysis and collaborating closely with thermal engineers.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.