Senior/Staff/Principal Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production. Purpose Divergent is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Structural Analysis Engineer to support the development of next-generation aerospace and automotive structures utilizing the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). This role applies advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and CAE methodologies to evaluate, optimize, and validate structural systems while partnering closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Product Engineering throughout the development lifecycle. Depending on experience and demonstrated technical leadership, this position may be hired at the Senior Engineer (E05), Lead Engineer (E06), or Principal Engineer (E07) level. Engineers at higher levels are expected to provide increasing technical leadership, define engineering methodologies, influence product strategy, and mentor other engineers while solving the organization's most challenging structural analysis problems. The Role Structural Analysis Develop, analyze, validate, and optimize finite element models for structural components, assemblies, and complete vehicle or aerospace systems using advanced CAE methodologies. Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses including crash, durability, fatigue, vibration, stiffness, thermal, and multi-physics simulations. Validate simulation results using engineering hand calculations, physical testing, and correlation activities. Develop engineering recommendations balancing structural performance, manufacturability, cost, weight, production efficiency, and certification requirements. Apply advanced material modeling techniques for metals, composites, adhesives, and emerging manufacturing technologies. Product Development Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Test Engineering, and Product Engineering to develop manufacturable structural solutions. Support structural design throughout concept development, detailed design, prototype builds, testing, validation, and production launch. Drive design improvements, cost reduction initiatives, manufacturability enhancements, and product optimization activities. Technical Leadership Present technical findings and engineering recommendations to cross-functional teams, engineering leadership, customers, and external partners as appropriate. Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers while promoting engineering best practices. Contribute to the development of CAE methodologies, modeling standards, simulation workflows, and validation processes. At higher engineering levels (E06–E07), lead major technical initiatives, establish structural analysis methodologies, define technical approaches for complex programs, and influence engineering decisions across multiple products or programs. Basic Qualifications Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls. BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. 5+ years (E05), 8+ years (E06), or 12+ years (E07) of structural analysis experience in aerospace, automotive, or related industries. Expert experience with Abaqus, LS-Dyna, Nastran, OptiStruct, or equivalent CAE software. Experience performing nonlinear structural analysis including crash, durability, dynamic, thermal, vibration, or multi-physics simulations. Strong understanding of solid mechanics and structural behavior of metals, composites, adhesives, and advanced materials. Experience validating analytical results using engineering calculations and physical testing. Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines. Preferred Qualifications Experience with aerospace structural certification and MIL-STDs. Experience supporting DoD, FAA, or other regulatory certification activities. Experience developing new simulation methodologies or advanced CAE workflows. Experience leading structural analysis for complete vehicle or aerospace programs. Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams. Experience presenting technical recommendations to executive leadership or external customers. Work Environment Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Level Expectations E05 – Senior Engineer Independently executes highly complex structural analyses across multiple projects. Serves as a subject matter expert within structural analysis. Mentors junior engineers and contributes to technical best practices. Influences project-level engineering decisions. E06 – Lead Engineer In addition to E05 expectations: Leads structural analysis activities for major vehicle or aerospace programs. Defines analysis strategies and technical methodologies. Provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Establishes engineering standards and drives continuous improvement. Influences program-level technical decisions. E07 – Principal Engineer In addition to E06 expectations: