Lead Stress Analyst - Drive Structural Analysis & Testing for Advanced Composite Systems!

El Segundo, CA | On-Site

Opportunity Summary

A fast-growing defense and aerospace startup is building next-generation composite structures for high-performance, mission-critical applications. As the Lead Stress Analyst, you will establish and scale the company’s structural analysis capability from the ground up. This role combines advanced finite element modeling, experimental validation, and close collaboration with design and manufacturing teams to ensure new materials and structures perform as intended in real-world environments. You will own the development of FEA methodologies, guide structural design decisions, and lead mechanical testing programs that connect simulation results to physical performance. If you enjoy working in early-stage environments, solving complex structural challenges, and building analytical systems from scratch, this is an opportunity to shape the technical foundation of a rapidly scaling organization.

About Us

We are an engineering-driven startup developing proprietary manufacturing processes for fiber-reinforced composite structures. Our technology enables faster production, improved material performance, and scalable manufacturing for demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. With active development programs underway, we are expanding our analytical and testing capabilities to support robust product design, qualification, and production readiness.

Job Duties

• Build and maintain the company’s core finite element analysis framework for composite materials and structures
• Develop validated structural models for coupons, sub-scale components, and full assemblies
• Lead mechanical testing efforts to correlate simulation results with real-world performance
• Define material properties, boundary conditions, and failure criteria for novel composite systems
• Partner with materials, manufacturing, and design engineers to guide structural decisions
• Analyze stress, strain, stiffness, and failure modes using advanced FEA techniques
• Design test plans for structural validation including static, fatigue, and environmental testing
• Investigate structural failures and conduct root cause analyses to improve reliability
• Create internal analysis standards, templates, and workflows for scalable use
• Mentor engineers and technicians supporting simulation and testing activities
• Present analysis results and technical findings to internal teams and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in structural or stress analysis for composite materials
• Strong background developing and validating FEA models for complex structures
• Experience setting up complete analysis workflows including software tools, modeling standards, and validation methods
• Proven ability to use FEA to optimize structural performance, weight, and durability
• Hands-on experience designing and interpreting mechanical tests for composites
• Familiarity with structural failure analysis and test correlation
• Proficiency with CAD tools and technical drawings including GD&T
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, startup-style engineering environments
• Strong communication skills across multidisciplinary teams
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering

Preferred Experience

• 10+ years in composite structural analysis
• Experience with thermal or coupled thermal-structural simulations
• Background supporting composite manufacturing or production environments
• Familiarity with cloud-based CAD platforms
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries

Why Join Us

• Lead and define the structural analysis function at a growing technology startup
• High-impact role with ownership over simulation and testing strategy
• Direct influence on product design, material selection, and performance validation
• Opportunity to develop new analytical methods and testing approaches
• Exposure to cutting-edge composite manufacturing technologies
• Stock options
• 401k with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Compensation Details

$160,000 – $230,000

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