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Senior Mechanical Engineer, Stress Analysis
Job Location:
Job Location:
Sunnyvale, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 150000 - 190000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
6 October 2026 (13 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
3 January 2027
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Were looking for a structures engineer with strong design and analysis fundamentals someone eager to learn and flexible enough to take on whatever a fast-moving hardware program throws at them. Youll work in an exciting fast-paced environment tackling some of the most challenging structural problems in aerospace.
Responsibilities
- Perform structural analysis (static buckling and modal) on airframe gondola and equipment mount structures using FEA tools (FEMAP/NX Nastran or equivalent)
- Develop and maintain finite element models including mesh generation load case setup and post-processing of results
- Perform hand calculations to size structures verify FEA results and support quick-turn design trades
- Size and design structural components and assemblies from concept sketches through detailed CAD
- Correlate analytical models against test data (static load tests modal surveys ground vibration testing)
- Support design trade studies weighing weight strength manufacturability and cost
- Document analysis methodology assumptions and results in formal engineering reports
- Collaborate with Systems Avionics Soft Structures Materials & Testing and Manufacturing teams to integrate structural designs with the broader vehicle
- Support fabrication assembly and test of structural prototypes and hardware
- Investigate and resolve structural issues found during build test or field operations
- Perform joint analysis (bolted bonded and welded) to size fasteners adhesives and welds and substantiate joint margins
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field
- 5 years of relevant experience in structural design and/or analysis
- Hands-on experience with FEA software (e.g. FEMAP Nastran ANSYS or similar)
- Highly developed knowledge of structural analysis fundamentals: static strength buckling and modal/dynamic analysis
- Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks NX or similar)
- Experience with joint analysis (bolted bonded and/or welded joints)
- Scripting/programming experience (e.g. Python MATLAB or VBA) to automate analysis and modeling workflows
- Must be able to work on-site in Sunnyvale California
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with lighter-than-air aerospace or other weight-critical vehicle structures
- Experience correlating FEA models to physical test data
- Familiarity with composite structures (CFRP) design and analysis
- Experience with structural dynamics (modal testing vibration analysis)
- Experience with fatigue analysis and life prediction
- Masters degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or low-volume prototype development environment
- Familiarity with GD&T and manufacturing drawing standards
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical dental and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals 70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life AD&D long-term disability and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events swag and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
- Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
$150000 - $190000 a year
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression age disability marital status veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Learn how LTA is launching the next generation of zero emissions airships that will speed up disaster relief in areas not easily reached by boat or aircraft.
