Loads Engineer - Weapon Performance IV/V

The role

This engineer will lead system-level structural loads and dynamics analysis for air-launched effects, tactical interceptors, and munitions. The work covers full-vehicle models, store carriage and separation loads, and validation through ground testing.

What you will do

• Assemble and maintain full-vehicle structural models for loads and vibration analysis.
• Perform MIL-STD-8591 store carriage, suspension, and separation loads analysis.
• Guide ground testing: modal survey, ground vibration testing, and static load testing.
• Establish shared loads and dynamics methods and document procedures.
• Support aeroelastic analysis (flutter and dynamic aeroelastic response).
• Collaborate with Structures, Aerodynamics, Propulsion, GNC, and Systems Engineering.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses on structural and dynamic design parameters.
• Generate technical reports and presentations, including at PDR and CDR.
• Interface with customers, presenting technical results.
• Mentor other engineers on loads and dynamics methods and tools.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of system-level structural and dynamics analysis grounded in complex numerical simulation.
• Experience leading the technical approach across multiple full vehicle programs, from conceptual design through flight test.
• Experience building and maintaining full-vehicle finite element models (e.g., NASTRAN/PATRAN, ANSYS).
• Experience with aeroelastic analysis (flutter, divergence, dynamic response) using tools such as ZAERO, NASTRAN aeroelasticity modules, or similar.
• Experience planning or guiding ground vibration testing, modal survey, or static load testing, and correlating results with analytical models.
• Experience validating structural dynamic models against flight or ground test data.
• Experience with MIL-STD-8591 or equivalent store carriage and separation loads analysis.
• Programming or scripting proficiency (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Experience with version control (e.g., Git, SVN).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.

Nice to have

• Understanding of structural analysis and design for composite materials.
• Formal composites certification process completed.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company match.
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year.
• 40 hours of sick time.
• 12 annual company holidays.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Before you apply

• Must obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR regulations.
• All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States; the company uses E-Verify.

About the company

Zone 5 Technologies develops precision weapons, interceptors, and unmanned aircraft systems for the United States and its allies. It is a federal contractor.