Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!

We are looking for a Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst to join our team. The goal of an  Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst at Wisk is to ensure that The Propulsion system meets all structural certification requirements. You will be part of the Propulsion Integrated Product team that is responsible for converting DC power to thrust generation.

This is a hybrid work opportunity. At Wisk, this means working onsite at our HQ Mountain View office 3 days per week with flexibility for the remainder of the days. 

As a Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst, you will be the definitive technical authority for the structural integrity of the entire propulsion system. This is a high-priority role addressing a critical leadership gap, and you will own the analysis from the ground up, build the substantiation case for certification, and ensure the design is robust, lightweight, and certifiable. Our immediate challenge is moving from a prototype to a fully certifiable, production-intent design. The environment is fast-paced, and you must be comfortable with ambiguity and rapid design iterations, demonstrating a strong bias for action and first-principles thinking.

What you will do:

• Lead and perform comprehensive structural analysis (static, dynamic, fatigue, damage tolerance) for all propulsion system components, from initial concept to detailed design and testing.

• Develop and manage relationships with external analysis vendors or contractors, defining statements of work and ensuring the quality and accuracy of their deliverables.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the stress analysis team and other functions, effectively communicating complex technical results to non-experts in design, systems, and certification engineering.

• Own the development, validation, implementation, and improvement of stress analysis methodologies, tools, and allowables, including identifying gaps and coordinating standards specific to propulsion systems.

• Develop, automate, and maintain engineering tools/scripts (e.g., Python, VBA, MATLAB) to enhance analysis accuracy and workflow efficiency for propulsion stress analysis.

• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation (stress reports, methods docs, presentations) and ensure timely completion/prioritization of assigned development activities for propulsion components.

• Mentor other engineers on complex analysis and methods application, fostering a culture of technical excellence and first-principles thinking within the propulsion stress team.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in aerospace structural stress analysis, with a significant focus on propulsion systems or related critical structures.

• Expertise in static, dynamic, fatigue, and damage tolerance analysis, utilizing both classical hand calculation methods (e.g., Bruhn, Roark, Niu) and advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

• Demonstrated proficiency with FEA software, with a strong preference for NASTRAN, FEMAP, and LS-Dyna. Experience with Abaqus (Standard, Explicit), HyperMesh, and HyperView is also highly valued.

• Strong understanding and practical experience with FAA (Part 33/35) certification requirements, including preparing certification reports and collaborating with regulatory bodies.

• Proven experience with both metallic and composite structures.

• Familiarity with composite cross-sectional analysis tools like VABS or similar.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, demonstrating a strong bias for action and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with a track record of delivering robust and certifiable designs.

• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across mul