Principal Analysis Engineer, Structures Aerospace & Defense

Divergent aims to revolutionize the aerospace and defense industry through our DAPS technology. Our patented production system incorporates Nodes™ - 3D-printed metal connectors - with lightweight materials to create strong and efficient complex structures. Divergent’s technology eliminates tooling and drives radical innovation, capital reduction, and sustainability in vehicle manufacturing. 

Divergent is seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Analysis Engineer, Structures Aerospace & Defense to support the next generation of industry-leading aerospace frame architecture development. We’re committed to transforming the vehicle structural systems away from traditional manufacturing by using new materials and new technologies. To do this, we need a forward-looking and innovative engineer who will help shape the future of aerospace structures.

Position Objectives:

• Build and manage FE models of structural components or full system architectures for aerospace vehicles for both structural optimization and validation assessments.

• Perform detailed engineering analysis on structural components and systems using CAE programs.

• Work closely with inter-group engineers to understand manufacturing/design capabilities and limitations to ensure proposed design changes can be efficiently produced and assembled.

• Collaborate successfully in a team environment to ensure cross-functional requirements are met while achieving program requirements.

Responsibilities for this role:

• Build-up and analyze complex FE models of Node™-based vehicle structures for aerospace flight applications including structural optimization (topology, gauge, etc.) and validation analyses.

• Experience performing hand calculations to verify validation analyses (i.e., bolt margins, adhesive margins, etc.)

• Present technical analysis summaries and comprehensive reports efficiently at customer meetings and to other engineers.

• Create, refine, and execute new technical solutions for aerospace structures to support external customer programs and joint development efforts.

• Work collaboratively in a team environment within the Structures team and cross-functionally with other disciplines to efficiently design and release structures that are optimized for mass, efficient production, assembly, and integration.

• Work cross-functionally to implement cost reduction, method and product improvements, and support prototype and production build activities. 

Required Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

• 12-15 years of experience in aerospace structural analysis.

• 12-15 years of experience in analysis software packages such as Nastran, Optistruct, and/or LS-Dyna.

• Proficient use of Altair HyperMesh or Beta CAE ANSA pre-processor.

• Ability to utilize hand calculations to supplement analysis results.

• Strong understanding of bolted joint margin calculations.

• Solid understanding of linear/nonlinear behaviors of advanced materials (composites, adhesives, metals) to achieve lightweight structural solutions.

• Experience with aerospace load applications and MIL-STDs.

• Outstanding comprehension of solid mechanics.

• Solid interpersonal skills, motivated self-starter who can manage personal workload and execution to a tight schedule.

• Experience interfacing with engineering, testing, and manufacturing groups to understand system designs and the associated constraints.

• Experience supporting analysis and completing documentations for airworthiness certifications. 

• Supported or engaged directly with DoD airworthiness stakeholders such as Air Force Test Center (AFTC) or FAA.

• Experience supporting structural design and analysis throughout the design, build, and test phases of a development cycle.

• Experience with fast-iteration prototyping programs.

• Experiencing with managing system configurations and managing changes to size, weight, and cost constraints.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of overall vehicle systems/sub-systems and requirements is a plus.