Own and define the full-vehicle loads and aeroelastic analysis strategy from clean-sheet development through production and flight test
Establish and govern aerodynamic and structural load envelopes, including maneuver, gust, landing, ground, and mission-driven load cases
Lead both quasi-static and dynamic loads analyses, including transient and coupled aeroelastic assessments
Serve as the technical authority for V-n diagrams, load factors, and structural load path definition across the aircraft
Define and review loads modeling approaches using NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or equivalent environments
Drive aeroelastic stability evaluations including divergence, flutter, control reversal, and load alleviation strategies
Partner closely with Aero and GNC teams to ensure loads assumptions align with flight control laws, mission profiles, and aircraft performance objectives
Establish traceability standards across loads models, ICDs, FEA inputs, and certification artifacts
Define and oversee loads correlation strategy, including strain gauge placement, instrumentation planning, and in-flight data reconciliation
Review and approve loads deliverables for design reviews, compliance documentation, and executive technical decision forums
Mentor and technically guide loads and aeroelastic engineers across the organization
Develop and standardize loads methodologies, automation frameworks, and internal tools to scale capability across programs

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
12+ years of experience performing aircraft loads and aeroelastic analysis on manned or unmanned platforms
Demonstrated technical leadership on complex aerospace programs, including ownership of loads strategy or methodology
Deep expertise in aerodynamic loads derivation, flight envelope development, and structural load path definition
Advanced proficiency with industry-standard loads and FEA tools (NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, or equivalent)
Strong understanding of aeroelastic stability phenomena including flutter, divergence, and control reversal
Extensive experience supporting both structural design and flight test with validated load predictions
Excellent cross-functional collaboration and technical communication skills

Benefits

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

aeroelastic analysisaerodynamic loads derivationflight envelope developmentstructural load path definitionloads modelingloads correlation strategystrain gauge placementin-flight data reconciliationautomation frameworkstechnical leadership

Soft Skills

cross-functional collaborationtechnical communicationmentoringguidance

Certifications

B.S. in Aerospace EngineeringM.S. in Aerospace EngineeringB.S. in Mechanical EngineeringM.S. in Mechanical Engineering