Structural Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Perform classical hand calculations and engineering assessments.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Create, solve, and post-process large ANSYS models.
Simplify complex physical systems into effective analysis models.
Validate structural performance under expected operating conditions.
Advanced Engineering Studies
Perform analyses involving:

Static loading
Dynamic loading
Vibration
Frequency response
Nonlinear contact
Stability/buckling
Transient shock
DDAM (Dynamic Design Analysis Method)
Fatigue life
Fracture mechanics
Pressure vessel integrity
Weld analysis
Bolt analysis
Design Support
Participate in engineering design reviews.
Work closely with designers and mechanical engineers.
Influence structural layouts and load paths.
Support testing and validation efforts.
Document analyses and engineering reports.
Types of Equipment Analyzed
The role focuses heavily on subsea and marine systems including:

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) frames
Subsea structures
Mechanical handling systems
Ship overboarding equipment
Pressure vessels
Advanced defense and development projects
High-load mechanical structures
Required Technical Skills
Analysis Software
Required

ANSYS (strong preference)
Additional Relevant Tools

NASTRAN
Abaqus
HyperMesh
FEMAP
CAD
Preferred:

SolidWorks
Engineering References
Experience applying industry-standard methodologies from:

Bruhn
Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program preferred
Extensive experience may be considered in lieu of degree
Experience
15+ years of stress analysis experience
Strong FEA and hand-calculation background
Experience supporting mechanical structures in harsh operating environments
Technical report writing and documentation experience
Resume Keywords
Candidates should have these keywords reflected in their resume:

Structural Engineer
Stress Analyst
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
ANSYS
NASTRAN
Static Analysis
Dynamic Analysis
Nonlinear Analysis
Load Cases
Fatigue Analysis
Fracture Mechanics
Pressure Vessel Analysis
Weld Analysis
Bolt Analysis
DDAM
Shock Analysis
Vibration Analysis
Frequency Response
Structural Integrity
Mechanical Design
SolidWorks
Subsea Systems
ROV
Marine Engineering
Defense Systems
Structural Testing
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a highly experienced Structural/Stress Engineer with deep expertise in ANSYS-based FEA, capable of independently performing complex analyses on subsea, marine, defense, or heavy mechanical systems. Experience with security-cleared programs, pressure vessels, fatigue/fracture assessments, and dynamic loading environments will make a candidate especially competitive for this role.

Copilot said:

Senior Structural Stress Engineer (ANSYS/FEA) - Marine & Defense Systems

Location: Hybrid or Onsite
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Comprehensive Benefits
Industry: Marine, Subsea, Defense, Advanced Mechanical Systems

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Structural Stress Engineer to perform advanced structural and finite element analyses supporting complex subsea, marine, defense, and heavy mechanical systems. This role will be responsible for evaluating structural integrity, developing load cases, conducting detailed ANSYS-based simulations, and providing engineering guidance throughout the design lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on analyst with deep expertise in ANSYS, structural mechanics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, dynamic loading, and pressure vessel analysis , capable of independently solving complex engineering challenges and influencing product design decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Structural Analysis

• Develop structural load cases and determine design loads for primary and secondary structures.
• Perform classical hand calculations and engineering assessments.
• Size conceptual structures during early-stage design.
• Evaluate structural integrity under demanding operational environments.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

• Build, solve, and post-process complex ANSYS models.
• Develop effective analysis models from real-world mechanical systems.
• Validate structural performance and recommend design improvements.
• Support design verification and testing activities.

Advanced Engineering Studies

Perform analyses involving:

• Static and dynamic loading
• Vibration and frequency response
• Nonlinear contact analysis
• Stability and buckling
• Transient shock and DDAM
• Fatigue life assessments
• Fracture mechanics evaluations
• Pressure vessel integrity
• Weld and bolted joint analysis

Design & Program Support

• Participate in engineering and design reviews.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and design teams.
• Influence structural layouts and load path development.
• Prepare engineering reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Support qualification and validation testing activities.

Equipment & Systems Experience

Experience analyzing one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
• Subsea structures and equipment
• Mechanical handling systems
• Shipboard and overboarding equipment
• Pressure vessels
• High-load mechanical assemblies
• Marine systems
• Defense and military platforms

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred (ABET-accredited program).
• 15+ years of structural, stress, or mechanical analysis experience.
• Extensive experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Strong background in hand calculations and engineering fundamentals.
• Experience supporting equipment operating in harsh or dynamic environments.
• Proven technical report writing and documentation skills.

Technical Skills

Required

• ANSYS
• Structural Analysis
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Load Case Development
• Static & Dynamic Analysis
• Fatigue Analysis
• Fracture Mechanics

Preferred

• NASTRAN
• Abaqus
• HyperMesh
• FEMAP
• SolidWorks

Preferred Experience

• Subsea or marine engineering
• Defense or government programs
• Pressure vessel design and analysis
• DDAM and shock qualification studies
• Welded and bolted structure evaluation
• Structural testing and validation
• Security-cleared programs