Senior Stress Engineer; Composites

This is a full-time, onsite position based in El Segundo, California. This opportunity is ideal for a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, early-stage deep technology environment where innovation, ownership, and adaptability are highly valued.

As the organization's first Stress Engineer, you will establish and lead the structural analysis function for advanced fiber-reinforced composite materials utilizing novel material architectures. You will develop and validate sophisticated finite element analysis (FEA) models, influence design and material selection decisions, and ensure products meet stringent aerospace, defense, and energy industry requirements.

Your work will bridge simulation, testing, manufacturing, and product development, directly influencing how cutting-edge composite technologies are optimized for high-performance and mission-critical applications.

As a key early team member, you will contribute across multiple disciplines, including:

• Structural simulation and analysis
• Product and component design
• Test planning and execution
• Quality inspection
• Project management
• Manufacturing support
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer engagement and technical support

Structural analysis is expected to become a foundational capability within the organization. As the first engineer in this function, you will have the opportunity to shape processes, build technical capabilities, and develop a team as the company scales.

Potential growth opportunities include:

• Leading the development of simulation methodologies and best practices
• Evaluating and implementing strategic engineering technologies
• Building and managing a team of structural engineers
• Contributing to intellectual property and innovative analysis techniques
• Supporting technical business development initiatives
• Leading large-scale technology development programs
• Advancing into Engineering Manager, Director, and executive leadership positions

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export control regulations (EAR/ITAR)
• Ability to work onsite in El Segundo, CA
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Composites, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of professional experience in composites stress analysis
• Demonstrated experience developing and refining FEA models for novel materials or composite systems
• Experience establishing end-to-end FEA workflows, including software selection, model development, validation, and testing
• Ability to leverage FEA tools to optimize composite structures for weight, strength, and performance
• Experience designing mechanical test methods for coupons, subcomponents, and full-scale assemblies
• Ability to oversee and support test execution and data analysis
• Experience conducting failure investigations and root-cause analysis
• Strong CAD skills, including part modeling, assembly design, engineering drawings, and GD&T
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a willingness to develop creative solutions under aggressive timelines
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional environments

• Experience analyzing both chopped-fiber composites and continuous-fiber laminate structures
• Proficiency with Abaqus or similar advanced simulation software
• Experience performing thermal analysis and simulation
• Hands‑on experience in composites manufacturing
• Background in aerospace, defense, or high-performance engineering industries
• Experience analyzing structures subjected to extreme acceleration and high‑g loading conditions
• Experience developing business cases and presenting technical recommendations to leadership
• Previous experience working in startup environments or leading small…