1

Structural Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Structural Analyst

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

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 ...

Structural Analyst

Anaheim, CA

$101K - $151K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Structural Analyst will work as part of a small, collaborative team of engineers and technicians to support mechanical design efforts, primarily for defense and space applications. This role ...

Structural Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Structural Analyst will work as part of a small, collaborative team of engineers and technicians to support mechanical design efforts, primarily for defense and space applications. This role ...

Structural Analyst

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Structural Analyst will work as part of a small, collaborative team of engineers and technicians to support mechanical design efforts, primarily for defense and space applications. This role ...

Structural Analyst Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JOB SUMMARY The Structural Analyst Engineer will participate in the mechanical and structural design of flight hardware and will follow programs through execution of assembly, integration, and test.

Structural Analyst Engineer

San Jose, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JOB SUMMARY The Structural Analyst Engineer will participate in the mechanical and structural design of flight hardware and will follow programs through execution of assembly, integration, and test.

Work closely with and mentor designers and junior structural analysts in stress/stability/fracture analysis best practices * Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs ...

Wehave multiple openings for Mechanical/Structural Engineering Analysts with a strong background in solid mechanics and finite element analysis (FEA) to support Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ...

We have multiple openings for Mechanical/Structural Engineering Analysts with a strong background in solid mechanics and finite element analysis (FEA) to support Lawrence Livermore National ...

We have multiple openings for Mechanical/Structural Engineering Analysts with a strong background in solid mechanics and finite element analysis (FEA) to support Lawrence Livermore National ...

Senior Structural Analyst

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $180K/yr

Work closely with and mentor designers and junior structural analysts in stress/stability/fracture analysis best practices * Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs ...

Responsible for airframe structural testing, including the fixtures design, the instrumentation design, and analysis predictions, which requires multi-disciplinary skills including structural design ...

Staff Structural Analyst

Alameda, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission The Sr Staff Structural Analyst is a senior, technical leader responsible for the comprehensive execution, quality, and technical integrity of all complex engineering ...

Responsible for airframe structural testing, including the fixtures design, the instrumentation design, and analysis predictions, which requires multi-disciplinary skills including structural design ...

Perform detailed structural analyses of dynamic system components, including the rotor system, control system, and blades * Evaluate static strength and fatigue life of critical structures using ...

Analyst - Structural Sr

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Exploration Systems is seeking an experienced Sr Structural Analyst with technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to join our team. As a key technical leader, you will be responsible ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Structural Analyst information

See California salary details

$11

$64

$88

How much do structural analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural analyst in California is $64.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.09 and $75.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a structural analyst?

A Structural Analyst is an engineering professional who evaluates and analyzes the strength, stability, and rigidity of structures such as buildings, bridges, or aircraft. They use mathematical models, computer simulations, and physical testing to ensure that structures can withstand various loads and stresses without failing. Their work is essential in the design phase to verify that safety standards are met, and they often collaborate closely with architects and other engineers. Structural Analysts help prevent structural failures by identifying potential weaknesses and recommending improvements.

What is the difference between Structural Analyst vs Structural Engineer?

AspectStructural AnalystStructural Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering, certifications varyBachelor's or master's in civil or structural engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, using analysis software to evaluate structuresDesign, planning, site visits, and project management
Industry UsageCommon in consulting firms, construction, and engineering servicesDesign and construction firms, infrastructure projects

While both roles involve structural analysis, a Structural Analyst primarily focuses on evaluating existing structures using software, whereas a Structural Engineer designs and oversees new structures. The roles often overlap in skills and industry settings, but their core responsibilities differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Analyst, you need a solid background in structural engineering principles, finite element analysis, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with analysis software such as ANSYS, SAP2000, or Abaqus, as well as CAD tools, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precise analysis, effective collaboration, and the safety and reliability of structural designs.

What are some common challenges a structural analyst faces when working on multidisciplinary engineering projects?

Structural Analysts often collaborate with architects, mechanical engineers, and construction teams, which can present challenges such as aligning design priorities and managing communication across disciplines. Balancing structural integrity with aesthetic or functional requirements frequently requires creative problem-solving and adaptability. Additionally, tight deadlines and evolving project specifications may demand quick analysis and revisions, making effective time management a valuable skill. Proactive communication and openness to feedback are key to ensuring successful project outcomes in this dynamic environment.
Infographic showing various Structural Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,705 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Structural Analyst

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


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.