Structural Analysis Engineer

The Structural Analysis Engineer will support advanced aerospace, defense, optical, and space programs by performing structural analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) throughout the product lifecycle. This role focuses on modal, static, and dynamic analysis using FEMAP and NASTRAN while working closely with design engineers from conceptual development through final delivery. The engineer will help ensure that high-performance systems such as space payloads, satellites, optical systems, advanced sensors, lasers, and propulsion systems meet structural and environmental requirements.

• Perform detailed finite element analyses (FEA) using FEMAP and NASTRAN, including modal, static, and dynamic analyses for aerospace and defense applications.
• Conduct stress and margin assessments to verify structural integrity and ensure designs meet performance and safety requirements.
• Support structural qualification efforts by analyzing test conditions, correlating analysis with test results, and documenting compliance with applicable standards.
• Evaluate vibration and shock environments for space payloads, satellites, optical systems, advanced sensors, lasers, propulsion systems, and other high-performance technologies.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive analysis reports and presentations that document methods, assumptions, results, and conclusions.
• Review and validate analysis results, identify potential issues, and recommend design modifications or improvements to enhance structural performance.
• Partner closely with design engineers throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and preliminary design through detailed design, integration, and final delivery.
• Support programs across multiple domains, including space, optical, laser, propulsion, and advanced technology systems.
• Collaborate with structural engineering teams across multiple U.S. sites to share best practices, align on analysis methodologies, and support cross-site projects.
• Communicate technical findings effectively to multidisciplinary teams, including design, systems, test, and program stakeholders.

• Extensive experience using FEMAP and NASTRAN for finite element modeling and analysis.
• Strong background in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), including model setup, meshing, boundary conditions, and result interpretation.
• Hands-on experience performing modal, static, and dynamic structural analyses.
• Proven aerospace and defense industry experience, with space-related projects preferred.
• 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.
• Experience working on aerospace or defense hardware, with space hardware experience strongly preferred.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose structural issues and propose effective solutions.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, verbally and in writing.

• 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 assessing how structural and thermal effects influence the performance and alignment of optical systems.
• Experience with advanced analysis tools such as SIGFIT and/or ANSYS for structural, thermal, vibration, or optical system analysis.
• Space-related experience with optical systems, space hardware, satellites, or similar products.
• Basic proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, with SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Familiarity with integrating structural analysis results into broader system-level performance assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple locations.

This role is 100% onsite at a dedicated engineering and manufacturing facility in Rancho Bernardo. The position follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing a structured workweek with every other Friday off. You will work as part of a focused team of approximately 8–10 structural engineers and collaborate closely with engineering teams located throughout the United States, including East Coast and Midwest sites. The environment centers on advanced aerospace, defense, and space hardware, offering exposure to satellites, space payloads, optical systems, advanced sensors, lasers, and propulsion systems. The workplace emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and hands-on engagement with hardware from concept through final delivery, within a growing engineering organization that is investing in expansion and offers potential pathways for contract-to-hire conversion.

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

The pay range for this position is $64.00 - $82.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 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) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

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.S., 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 [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use 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.