Structural Engineer

Job Title: Structural Engineer Job Description This Structural Engineer role focuses on designing, analyzing, and certifying advanced aerospace systems, including mission payloads, electronic systems, aircraft, and space platforms. You will evaluate complex metallic and composite structures, ensure structural integrity and performance, and support structural modifications and reinforcements for aircraft and aerospace platforms. The position offers the opportunity to lead and contribute to high-impact aerospace and defense projects throughout the full product lifecycle, while collaborating closely with multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior engineers. Responsibilities + Design, evaluate, and support the certification of advanced aerospace systems, including mission payloads, electronic systems, aircraft, and space platforms. + Analyze and assess complex metallic and composite structures to ensure structural integrity, safety, and performance across a range of operating conditions. + Perform structural analysis, including static strength, fatigue, and damage tolerance assessments, to validate designs and support structural modifications. + Lead and manage structural engineering efforts across multiple programs or projects, ensuring technical quality, schedule adherence, and effective coordination. + Develop, refine, and optimize structural designs and engineering solutions throughout the full product lifecycle, from concept through sustainment. + Create, review, and maintain technical documentation, including engineering reports, drawings, analysis packages, and substantiation materials. + Ensure compliance with industry standards, airworthiness requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines, including FAA and defense-related standards. + Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, guiding them in structural analysis methods, design practices, and engineering best practices. + Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and program teams to drive project execution and resolve structural and integration challenges. + Support the integration of payloads and systems into existing aircraft, including the design and analysis of structural modifications and reinforcements. + Apply classical analysis methods and industry-standard hand calculation techniques to validate structural designs and verify finite element results. + Use Computer Aided Engineering and Finite Element Analysis tools to perform detailed structural simulations and support design decisions. + Author and review substantiation work to support certification, airworthiness, and customer acceptance of structural designs and modifications. Essential Skills + Proven experience in structural engineering for aerospace systems, including aircraft and related platforms. + Thorough understanding of core engineering principles and practices relevant to structural design and analysis. + Advanced knowledge of static strength analysis and structural design principles for metallic and composite structures. + Ability to perform classical structural analysis using industry-standard hand calculation methods. + Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools for structural design and analysis. + Experience in engineering simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, Nastran, FEMAP, or ANSYS. + Proficiency with structural analysis types including static analysis, fatigue analysis, and damage tolerance analysis. + Demonstrated ability to ensure structural integrity of aircraft and flight structures, including aircraft modifications. + Knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, including parametric design, model-based definition, material and hardware selection, and manufacturing and production processes. + Understanding of fatigue and damage tolerance analysis techniques and their application to aerospace structures. + Familiarity with aerospace, defense, and military environments, including work related to DOD and national security programs. + Knowledge of FAA and other relevant airworthiness and regulatory requirements for structural certification. + Ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary design and development teams, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and program personnel. + Sr. Structural Engineer (Level IV): typically 10+ years of structural engineering experience. + Structural Engineer III (Level III): typically 6+ years of structural engineering experience. + Structural Engineer II (Level II): typically 3+ years of structural engineering experience. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience supporting aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities, including heavy maintenance, inspections, and structural upgrades. + Experience in aircraft modification and integration, including adding sensors, communications systems, and ISR capabilities. + Experience supporting mission systems and national security programs through advanced systems integration and secure communications. + Exposure to development, testing, and long-term sustainment of large-scale aircraft and aerospace systems. + Experience authoring and reviewing structural substantiation packages for certification and customer approval. + Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers in a project or program environment. + Strong communication skills to clearly document analysis results, present technical findings, and coordinate with cross-functional teams. + Interest in working in a mission-driven environment with opportunities for mentorship, technical development, and career advancement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Vandalia, OH. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Vandalia,OH. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. 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