Senior Structural Analyst (NASTRAN, PATRAN)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Structural Analyst (NASTRAN, PATRAN) Job Description

The Senior Structural Analyst provides stress and structural analysis support for conceptual design activities on aerospace nacelle and thrust reverser systems. This role focuses on finite element model development using MSC Nastran/Patran, coordination across multidisciplinary engineering teams, and preparation of analysis documentation to support concept design reviews and new development projects.

• Provide structural and stress analysis support for project conceptual design activities on aerospace components, including nacelles and thrust reversers.
• Perform trade studies in coordination with engineering leadership to refine and optimize conceptual designs.
• Develop and maintain finite element models (FEM) using MSC Nastran and Patran to evaluate structural performance.
• Manage design iterations and associated data within the product lifecycle management (PLM) system to ensure configuration control and traceability.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to conduct feasibility studies and assess design options for structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
• Collaborate with mass properties specialists to develop estimates for weight, center of gravity, and moments for conceptual designs.
• Prepare clear and concise engineering presentations to communicate analysis results, design trade-offs, and recommendations.
• Create analysis reports and technical documentation in formats such as PowerPoint and Word to support program reviews and decision-making.
• Participate actively in Concept Design Reviews by presenting structural analysis findings and supporting design decisions.
• Support system integration activities as needed, including contributing to requirements development from a structural and stress analysis perspective.
• Provide periodic status updates on assigned tasks and coordinate effectively with project focal points to meet schedule and technical objectives.
• Support daily communications and weekly team meetings to review priorities, report progress, and align on project status.
• Develop a preliminary internal FEM (IFEM) that can be integrated into the airframers global FEM for system-level analysis.
• Complete preliminary loads calculations and structural analysis reports to support new development programs.
• Produce 3D and 2D CATIA assembly layouts for various conceptual configurations and design iterations.
• Prepare Concept Design Review presentations and other stress-related deliverables required for new development projects.
• Perform miscellaneous stress and structural engineering tasks in support of nacelle, thrust reverser, actuator, and sheet metal structures as needed.

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a relevant scientific field.
• Five or more years of experience in structural analysis, preferably within the aerospace industry.
• Hands-on experience with MSC Nastran and Patran for finite element analysis and FEM development.
• Strong background in stress analysis and structural engineering for mechanical and aerospace structures.
• Experience with aircraft structures such as nacelles, thrust reversers, actuators, and sheet metal components.
• Ability to develop and interpret finite element models and translate results into clear engineering recommendations.
• Proficiency in preparing technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support design reviews and program milestones.
• Experience using PLM systems to manage design iterations and engineering data.
• Capability to participate in and contribute to concept design reviews from a structural analysis perspective.

• Experience in the aerospace industry supporting aircraft and nacelle structures.
• background working with aviation thrust reversers, with preference for pivot door style hardware.
• Knowledge of finite element analysis principles and structural mechanics for complex mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with CATIA for creating 2D and 3D assembly layouts and concept configurations.
• Understanding of mass properties estimation, including weight, center of gravity, and moments for conceptual designs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including design, systems, and mass properties engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting analysis results and participating in team meetings.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, design iterations, and deliverables within defined schedules.

The role is based in a large aerospace manufacturing and engineering environment focused on the design and production of nacelles and thrust reversers for commercial aircraft. The facility is one of the largest manufacturing sites in its state and supports major airframe and engine programs for leading aerospace companies. You work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams, using tools such as MSC Nastran, Patran, PLM systems, and CATIA within a collaborative, project-driven setting. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, cross-functional coordination, and adherence to program schedules in support of high-profile aircraft and aerospace customers.

This is a Contract position based out of Middle River, MD.

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $71.15/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a Contract position based out of Middle River, MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Middle River,MD.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.