Senior/Staff/Principal Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense

The role

This person will develop, analyze, and optimize finite element models for aerospace and automotive structures. They will perform various structural simulations and partner with multiple engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.

What you will do

• Develop, analyze, validate, and optimize finite element models for structural components and systems
• Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses including crash, durability, fatigue, vibration, stiffness, thermal, and multi-physics simulations
• Validate simulation results using engineering hand calculations, physical testing, and correlation activities
• Develop engineering recommendations balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, weight, and certification
• Apply advanced material modeling techniques for metals, composites, adhesives, and emerging manufacturing technologies
• Partner with Design, Manufacturing, Materials, Test, and Product Engineering
• Support structural design from concept through production launch
• Drive design improvements, cost reduction, and product optimization
• Present technical findings to cross-functional teams, leadership, and customers
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers

Required qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls
• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 5+ years (E05), 8+ years (E06), or 12+ years (E07) of structural analysis experience in aerospace, automotive, or related industries
• Expert experience with Abaqus, LS-Dyna, Nastran, OptiStruct, or equivalent CAE software
• Experience performing nonlinear structural analysis including crash, durability, dynamic, thermal, vibration, or multi-physics simulations
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics and structural behavior of metals, composites, adhesives, and advanced materials
• Experience validating analytical results using engineering calculations and physical testing
• Excellent communication skills

Nice to have

• Experience with aerospace structural certification and MIL-STDs
• Experience supporting DoD, FAA, or other regulatory certification activities
• Experience developing new simulation methodologies or advanced CAE workflows
• Experience leading structural analysis for complete vehicle or aerospace programs
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams
• Experience presenting technical recommendations to executive leadership or external customers

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Equity plan
• Discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Company holidays including a year-end shutdown
• Paid parental leave
• HMO and Premium PPO health options
• Company-sponsored life insurance
• Short and long term disability coverage
• Reimbursement for learning and development initiatives

Before you apply

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls
• Company participates in E-Verify

About the company

Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. Their integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions.