Stress Engineer II (Hybrid)

Published: 6/14/2022

Construction

Job Description

Since 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has been enhancing the passenger experience through innovative aircraft seat design and manufacturing. With locations in California, Washington, and Germany we are guided by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.

We are looking for a skilled Stress Engineer to join our team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is an on-site position based in Huntington Beach, CA. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, and we offer competitive benefits along with opportunities for growth.

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Hybrid Work Arrangement: This role is designated as hybrid; however, candidates should anticipate working onsite full-time during the initial onboarding and ramp-up period. Following successful integration into the role, a hybrid schedule will be available based on performance, business needs, and team requirements. Regular onsite attendance is required for customer meetings, testing, and key business activities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Stress Engineer is responsible for performing structural and stress analysis to support the design, development, validation, and certification of aircraft seating systems and interior components. This role utilizes Finite Element Analysis (FEA), structural simulations, and engineering calculations to evaluate structural integrity and demonstrate compliance with applicable FAA regulations, customer requirements, and industry standards. Responsibilities include preparing Interface Loads Reports (ILRs), Stress Analysis Reports, and static test plans, as well as supporting certification testing, design reviews, technical proposals, and the evaluation of repair procedures. The Stress Engineer collaborates closely with Design, Certification, and Test Engineering teams to resolve technical challenges, validate engineering solutions, and ensure project deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule. Responsibilities increase by level, with progressively greater independence, technical complexity, project ownership, and opportunities to provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers.

Note: The primary differences between job levels tie to skill level, complexity of problem solving, mentorship and years of experience. Job assignments will be based on experience, job opening and budget availability, and the performance level of the incumbent.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Structural Analysis & Engineering

Perform preliminary and detailed structural stress analysis of aircraft seating systems, interior assemblies, installations, and components using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), FEMAP/NASTRAN, and engineering hand calculations.
Develop and evaluate structural models and simulations to assess loads, stresses, deflections, and structural integrity against applicable design and certification requirements.
Determine appropriate structural substantiation and certification approaches based on FAA regulations, customer specifications, and engineering requirements, with guidance appropriate to the position level.
Identify structural design challenges, evaluate alternative engineering solutions, and provide recommendations to improve product performance, reliability, and compliance.

Certification, Testing & Technical Documentation

Prepare and review Interface Loads Reports (ILRs), Stress Analysis Reports, comparative analysis reports, static test plans, and supporting structural certification documentation.
Support the planning, execution, and validation of static testing, including reviewing test setups, verifying accuracy, and coordinating with Test Engineering personnel and technicians.
Collaborate with Certification Engineers and Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) to address test deviations, resolve technical findings, and demonstrate compliance with applicable certification requirements.
Analyze test results, correlate findings with analytical predictions, and document conclusions to support structural substantiation, certification approval, and repair evaluations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Execution

Partner with Design, Certification, Test Engineering, and Program Management teams to integrate structural requirements into product development and certification activities.
Communicate technical findings, analysis results, project progress, and potential risks to internal stakeholders, lead engineers, and external partners, including customers.
Participate in engineering design reviews, technical discussions, and the development of proposals to support new product development and business opportunities.
Take ownership of assigned engineering deliverables, proactively identify challenges, and implement technical solutions to meet project milestones, quality standards, and customer expectations.

Technical Leadership & Continuous Improvement

Apply sound engineering judgment and demonstrate increasing independence in managing technical assignments, resolving structural analysis challenges, and making recommendations appropriate to the position level.
Collaborate with lead engineers to establish analysis priorities, review technical approaches, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of engineering deliverables.
Contribute to the development and improvement of structural analysis methodologies, simulation practices, technical documentation, and engineering processes.
Demonstrate continuous technical development, adaptability, and openness to feedback, with Level III engineers providing technical guidance, reviewing peer deliverables, and mentoring less-experienced engineers as assigned.

Other

Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
Protect the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products.
Contribute to team efforts by performing other job-related duties and projects as assigned or requested.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned or requested.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or similar technical discipline is required with a Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering degree preferred.
Master’s Degree in Engineering or similar technical discipline is preferred.

Experience: Job assignments will be based on experience, job opening and budget availability, and the performance level of the incumbent.

Level I: 0- 2 years of relevant engineering experience performing structural stress analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and structural simulations, preferably within aerospace, aircraft interiors, seating, or related industries. Demonstrated ability to perform assigned technical analyses independently with guidance on more complex assignments.
Level II: 2–7 years of relevant engineering experience in structural stress analysis, FEA, and simulation, preferably involving aircraft interiors or seating systems. Proven ability to independently execute complex analyses, develop technical documentation, support certification and testing activities, and proactively resolve engineering challenges.
Level III: 7+ years of progressive engineering experience in structural stress analysis, FEA, and simulation, preferably within aerospace or aircraft interiors. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex technical assignments, independently resolving structural and certification challenges, reviewing engineering deliverables, collaborating with customers and cross-functional teams, and providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills:

Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), structural stress analysis, and simulation techniques to evaluate structural integrity, loads, stresses, and deflections.
Ability to perform engineering hand calculations, interpret structural analysis results, and validate designs against applicable engineering requirements.
Working knowledge of structural analysis software, such as FEMAP/NASTRAN or equivalent FEA tools.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and structural requirements for aircraft seating systems, interior assemblies, and components.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical learning abilities, with the capacity to independently evaluate engineering challenges and develop effective solutions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical documentation, present findings, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accountability for technical deliverables, with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project requirements.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

Experience performing structural analysis for aircraft seating systems, cabin interiors, or related aerospace components, with familiarity with applicable FAA regulations and certification requirements.
Working knowledge of Technical Standard Order (TSO) processes, FAA regulations, and the ability to interpret regulatory requirements, advisory materials, and customer specifications.
Familiarity with static, dynamic, and flammability testing processes, including certification test equipment, test setup validation, and structural test procedures.
Experience preparing technical documentation, including Interface Loads Reports (ILRs), Stress Analysis Reports, static test plans, and certification substantiation reports.
Proficiency with CATIA V5, FEMAP/NASTRAN, or equivalent structural analysis tools, with additional experience in engineering automation using VBA or Python considered beneficial. (or equivalent structural analysis tools)
Strong technical communication and presentation abilities, including experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams, external stakeholders, and customers.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex technical assignments, prioritize competing deadlines, and contribute to engineering problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Other:

Extended or irregular hours may be required.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company.
As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.
Tasks may vary slightly based on products produced at a division.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

Level I: Direction with necessary guidance is provided in terms of tasks and objectives and measured based upon how well objectives have been met. Receives detailed instructions as needed.
Level II: Direction is provided in terms of tasks and objectives. Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will autonomously work on routine programs / tasks with frequent status updates to supervisor. Will be provided with additional guidance on more complex or non-routine tasks.
Level III: Direction is provided in terms of tasks and objectives. Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will work autonomously with only occasional status updates with supervisor.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

Level I: N/A
Level II / III: May oversee the work of others. Assist in the training and coaching of other team members.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Develop and provide solutions to complex problems based on established precedents and are consistent with organization objectives.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Salary Range Transparency: $110,000 - $120,000 annually

Featured Benefits:

Up to 7% bonus potential (for bonus eligible positions)
Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting
3 weeks of Paid Time Off
12 paid holidays
Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family
And so much more!

Other Perks:

On-site gym
Free electric car charging stations
Potential for growth within organization
Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture