Structural Analysis Engineer IV

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems.

Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

Summary

Astronics Structural Analysis Engineers ensure our products and installations are industry-leading in performance and robustness through advanced FEA, empirical analysis, and physical testing. As a Structural Analysis Engineer IV, you'll bring deep expertise in structural substantiation for STC and OEM aircraft modifications, mentor rising engineers, and collaborate across design, certification, and OEM teams to get groundbreaking aviation technology safely airborne.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform structural substantiation for commercial aircraft radome installations in support of STC and OEM Service Bulletin certification programs.
• Develop and evaluate structural finite element models using FEMAP/Nastran, supported by classical hand analysis methods.
• Analyze aircraft structure, installation hardware, fasteners, joints, fittings, adapter plates, and interface structure for strength, stiffness, stability, bearing, bypass, and combined loading.
• Review loads, drawings, material data, installation layouts, and OEM requirements to establish analysis methods, assumptions, and margins of safety.
• Prepare clear structural analysis reports, substantiation packages, and certification documentation for FAA/EASA, DER/ODA UM, OEM, and customer review.
• Coordinate with design, certification, manufacturing, program management, and regulatory representatives to resolve technical issues and support approval activities.
• Support fatigue and damage tolerance, crack growth, nonlinear dynamic, impact, bird strike, test correlation, and other advanced analyses as required.
• Develop and use engineering tools, scripts, and automation methods using MATLAB, Python, or similar software.
• Provide technical guidance, peer review, and mentoring to junior engineers.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant structural analysis experience, preferably involving aircraft structures or aircraft modifications.
• Proficiency with FEMAP/Nastran and classical hand analysis methods.
• Experience with fastener and joint analysis, load path evaluation, margins of safety, and structural substantiation reporting.
• Working knowledge of aircraft certification requirements and documentation expectations for FAA/EASA, STC, or OEM approval.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently with cross-functional engineering and certification teams
• Direct experience working in an engineering/technical organization with strict document control processes and procedures and the ability to adhere to them
• Familiarity with certification of commercial aircraft structures

Preferred:

• Experience with commercial aircraft radome, antenna, or external equipment installations.
• Experience supporting STC or OEM Service Bulletin certification programs.
• Familiarity with OEM structural manuals, stress methods,…