Lead Structural Engineer

Job Description

CoAspire is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over thirteen years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

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What you will do:

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You’ll perform a key analytical and modeling role in supporting the development, integration, and performance assessment of our aerospace weapons systems. You will contribute to the understanding of system behavior in operational flight environments, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure structural integrity and performance align with program requirements.

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• Develop and maintain Finite Element Models to analyze component and system level structural assessments for static and dynamic loading environments.
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• Review and interpret test data (ground, lab, or flight-related) to validate models and identify areas for improvement.
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• Assist engineering leadership in diagnosing performance issues, assessing trade-offs, and refining system behavior.
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• Prepare clear technical documentation, analysis summaries, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
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• Contribute to process improvement by recommending analytical methods, tools, or workflow enhancements.
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• Collaborate with technical leadership and staff across various engineering disciplines to provide solutions in a fast-paced schedule environment.
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• Lead and mentor other structural engineers within the company.
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Location: Fairfax, Va or Manassas, Va

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Basic Qualifications:

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• 10 years of structural analysis with aerospace metallic or composite structure experience.
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• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
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• Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis for quasi-static loading and dynamic analysis with strong fundamentals of basic hand calculations.
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• Solid understanding of free-body diagrams, load paths, and classical analysis techniques
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• Proficiency with analytical methods for structural verification of mechanical joints (lugs, bolts, and bonded joints).
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• Ability to build and validate finite element models including linear-static, buckling, modal, and non-linear as needed
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• Conduct analysis of loads, margins of safety, and failure modes of parts and assemblies
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• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, specifications, and relevant aerospace documentation standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-8591, etc.).
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• Strong analytical mindset with attention to accuracy, validation, and engineering rigor.
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• Must be a US citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret-level security clearance.
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• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented engineering environment.
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Preferred Qualifications:

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• 15 years of structural analysis with aerospace metallic or composite structure experience.
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• Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
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• Experience with weapon systems or other aerospace/defense structural analysis preferred.
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• Familiarity with structural dynamics testing (Sine Vibration, Random Vibration, Acoustic and Shock).
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• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, stability and dynamics.
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• Proficiency with simulation or modeling environments (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, FEMAP/NX Nastran, ANSYS Mechanical, Siemens Simcenter 3D/NX CAE, or other analysis tools).
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• Programming Experience (Excel VBA, Python, MATLAB, etc.)
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Physical Requirements:

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• Stationary Position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods—typically up to 75% to 80% of the workday.
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• Movement: Frequently required to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery (copiers, printers), and shared work spaces.
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• Fine Motor Skills & Coordination: Consistently operates a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office productivity machinery (such as a calculator or scanner).
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• Lifting & Moving: Frequently positions, moves, or lifts office supplies, files, or packages weighing up to 25lbs .
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• Critical Thinking & Analysis: Ability to analyze complex technical information and apply critical thinking to solve engineering and operational challenges and ability to maintain focus and accuracy while performing tasks that require a high degree of precision and attention to detail.
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What We Offer:

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Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

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• Full benefits beginning first of month following hire: medical, dental and vision
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• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
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• PTO and Federal holidays
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The anticipated salary range for this position is $150,000-$200,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

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Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

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