Senior Dynamic Structural Analysis Engineer

The Silicon Valley Office (SVO) of Applied Research Associates, Inc.

(ARA) is looking for a Dynamic Structural Analysis Engineer to join our team.  SVO is located in Los Altos, CA and is ARA’s Center of Excellence in Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Analysis and regularly orchestrates a variety of full-scale testing projects.  SVO conducts research and design for structures and materials applications, including crashworthiness and transportation safety, impact, penetration, and fracture and failure analysis.

We specialize in complex multi-physics modeling of structures such as automotive, aerospace and rail vehicles, as well as civil structures, in challenging dynamic environments.

Job Location: Position is remote; preferred location is Los Altos, CA, with alignment to the Los Altos, CA ARA office or other ARA locations across the U.S.

Essential Functions:


* Conduct finite element analyses (FEA) of challenging dynamic structural applications that include contact, nonlinear material behavior, transient heat transfer and fracture using the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA.


* Lead design and analysis of vehicle structures


* Lead test planning and data analysis with potential for onsite test support.


* Develop digital twins of complex structural tests including test response, data analysis and comparison with simulations.


* Perform engineering analyses on a variety of structures projects.


* Lead proposals for new research and development opportunities with government and industry clients.


* Conduct face-to-face meetings and prepare technical and cost proposals.

Education:


* A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics.


* Graduate level GPA of at least 3.4/4.0.

Required Qualifications:


* Minimum of 10 years of experience with finite element analysis (FEA).


* Minimum 5 years of experience managing project groups



* Experience with Hypermesh FEA model preprocessors, CAD software such as Solidworks and the LS-DYNA FEA solver.



* Experience with solid and/or liquid rocket propulsion.


* Experience with implicit structural dynamics.


* Experience with Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems and computer programming languages.


* Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship.


* Demonstrated excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:


* Minimum 5 years of experience developing Digital Twins for aerospace applications


* Experience with computational fluid dynamics and hypersonics


* Experience with mechanical testing of materials and structures.


* Experience with computational modeling of fluid-structure interaction

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $109,200.00 - $182,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may b...