Process Engineering, Mechanical

Job Title: Structural Analysis EngineerJob Description

This role supports advanced aerospace, defense, optical, and space programs by performing structural analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) across the full product lifecycle. The Structural Analysis Engineer conducts modal, static, and dynamic analyses using FEMAP and NASTRAN, partners closely with design engineers, and contributes to structural qualification of high-performance hardware including space payloads, satellites, optical systems, advanced sensors, lasers, and propulsion systems. The position requires strong analytical problem-solving skills, aerospace and defense industry experience, and the ability to clearly communicate technical results to multidisciplinary teams.

Perform detailed finite element analyses (FEA) using FEMAP and NASTRAN, including modal, static, and dynamic analyses for aerospace, defense, optical, and space hardware.

Support structural qualification efforts, including test correlation, analysis documentation, and verification activities.

Evaluate vibration and shock environments and assess their impact on structural performance and reliability.

Prepare, document, and review analysis results, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and traceability for internal and external stakeholders.

Collaborate closely with design engineers throughout the product lifecycle, from conceptual development through final delivery, to influence design decisions and optimize structural performance.

Support the development and analysis of products such as space payloads, satellites, optical systems, advanced sensors, lasers, propulsion systems, and other high-performance technologies.

Provide technical input and recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams across multiple U.S. sites.

Communicate complex technical findings in a clear and concise manner to engineering teams, project leadership, and other stakeholders.

Contribute to a growing engineering organization by sharing best practices, mentoring peers where appropriate, and supporting continuous improvement of analysis methods and tools.

Extensive hands-on experience using FEMAP and NASTRAN for structural analysis.

Strong finite element analysis (FEA) background, including model setup, meshing, boundary conditions, and result interpretation.

Proficiency in performing modal, static, and dynamic analyses for aerospace and defense applications.

Aerospace and defense industry experience, with space-related experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated analytical problem-solving skills applied to complex structural and mechanical systems.

Ability to clearly communicate technical results, assumptions, and recommendations to multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Bachelor's degree minimum with at least 9 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with at least 4 years of relevant experience.

Aerospace or defense industry background with exposure to products that may be launched into space.

Eligibility to obtain a security clearance.

Experience with programming and automation tools such as Python, MATLAB, VBA, or similar scripting languages for post-processing and engineering analysis.

Experience with Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, including evaluating how structural and thermal effects impact the performance and alignment of optical systems.

Experience using advanced analysis tools such as SIGFIT and/or ANSYS for structural, thermal, vibration, or optical system analysis.

Basic proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, with SolidWorks preferred.

Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with distributed engineering teams across multiple locations.

Interest in supporting hardware from early concept through final delivery in a fast-growing engineering organization.

The Structural Analysis Engineer works within a team of approximately 8–10 structural engineers and collaborates closely with engineering teams located across the United States, including East Coast and Midwest sites. The environment offers exposure to cutting-edge space, optical, laser, propulsion, and advanced technology programs and provides the opportunity to support hardware from concept through final delivery. The role is part of a growing engineering organization with significant investment and expansion, and may offer potential for contract-to-hire conversion. The work setting is professional, engineering-focused, and highly collaborative, with regular interaction among structural, design, and systems engineering disciplines.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

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.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• 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)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Application Deadline

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.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 click.appcast.io 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.