Senior Structural Analyst

At Elroy Air, we build autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft systems to change the way the world moves goods. Transporting cargo by air is faster and more efficient than by land or sea, but before recent technological and regulatory developments, it was prohibitively expensive. Today, we’re able to expand middle-mile logistics possibilities across multiple sectors. The commercial express shipping industry spends $140B annually on the middle-mile and needs faster, better solutions - while the armed forces are increasingly prioritizing unmanned aerial cargo delivery systems.
These partners and customers are already responding enthusiastically to the technologies we are pioneering. As we develop and deploy these systems, we are looking for people like you: motivated collaborators, excited by our mission and by the rare opportunity to improve how logistics works around the world. You will play an important role in establishing Elroy Air as the industry standard in this massive market.
Diverse perspectives at all levels are critical to innovation and employee development. We encourage our team to bring their whole selves to Elroy. This includes but is not limited to gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, age, ability, parenthood status, veteran status, educational background, citizenship status, or any combination of these characteristics.
As a Senior Structural Analyst on the Mechanical Engineering team you will be responsible for performing comprehensive structural analysis supporting exciting new products throughout the entire product lifecycle. In this role, you will help define requirements, guide concepts, perform trade studies, optimize preliminary designs, check detailed designs, and support structural test campaigns and certification. Working as part of a small team to develop validated methods, tools, and templates, you will help set the standard (and perhaps the state-of-the-art) for aircraft structural analysis.
This is an on-site, full-time, exempt role based at our headquarters in South San Francisco, CA.

What You'll Own:

• Performing static and dynamic structural analysis of primary and secondary composite and metallic aircraft structures and systems integration, using classical and finite element analysis (FEA) methods
• Performing trade studies, optimization, and checks of aircraft structures for specific strength, rigidity, and durability requirements, consistently promoting balance with complexity and cost
• Performing correlation and correction of structural models using empirical data
• Supporting the planning, execution, and reporting of static and dynamic structural tests
• Supporting the development and maintenance of the structural engineering ecosystem including design guidelines, analysis methods and tools, test procedures, and allowables
• Supporting design, manufacturing, and service engineers in developing well-balanced solutions

Our Ideal Candidate:

• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 7+ years of experience performing vehicle-level structural analysis in the automotive, aeronautical, and/or space industries
• Deep knowledge and experience with dynamic loads, vibration, and fatigue analysis
• Experience with external loads development and management
• Expert user of FEMAP, NX Nastran, Microsoft Excel, and MATLAB
• Is kind, respectful, and direct using strong verbal and written communication skills. Open to giving and receiving feedback.
• Thrives in a dynamic hands-on environment

Bonus Points For:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with lift + cruise, tilt-rotor, and/or rotary-wing aircraft
• Experience with non-linear, frequency response, and/or aeroelastic structural analysis
• Experience with full-scale static and dynamic ground and flight testing of aircraft structures
• Experience with building-block structural analysis/test campaigns
• Experience with composite material system evaluation, qualification, and showing equivalency
• Experience analyzing bonded and fastened composite and metallic structures for strength, rigidity, and durability
• Experience with Part 21 FAA aircraft type certification processes and Part 23, Part 27, Part 35, and/or ASTM airworthiness standards, including requirements, means of compliance, and methods of compliance
• Proficient user of Python, VBA for Microsoft Excel, and FEMAP’s API

What's In It For You:

• Competitive salary + equity package
• Comprehensive insurance options for medical/dental/vision/long term disability/life + optional plans for commuter accounts, pet insurance, legal help, and more!
• Retirement planning: 401(k) with company contri