Structural Analysis Engineer

Job Summary

The Silicon Valley Office (SVO) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a Dynamic Structural Analysis Engineer to join our team. SVO is located in Los Altos, CA and is ARA’s Center of Excellence in Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Analysis and regularly orchestrates a variety of full‑scale testing projects. SVO conducts research and design for structures and materials applications, including crash worthiness and transportation safety, impact, penetration, and fracture and failure analysis.

We specialize in complex multi-physics modeling of structures such as automotive, aerospace, and rail vehicles, as well as civil structures, in challenging dynamic environments.

Job Location:

Position is remote; preferred location is Los Altos, CA, with alignment to the Los Altos, CA ARA office or other ARA locations across the U.S.

• Conduct finite element analyses (FEA) of challenging dynamic structural applications that include contact, nonlinear material behavior, transient heat transfer and fracture using the explicit finite element code LS‑DYNA.
• Construct finite element meshes of complicated geometries.
• Assist in test planning and test data analysis with potential for onsite test support.
• Develop digital twins of complex structural tests including test response, data analysis and comparison with simulations.
• Perform engineering analyses on a variety of structural projects.
• Identify and qualify new research and development opportunities with government and industry clients.
• Conduct face‑to‑face meetings and prepare technical and cost proposals.

• A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics.
• Graduate level GPA of at least 3.4/4.0.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with finite element analysis (FEA).
• Experience with Hypermesh FEA model preprocessors, CAD software such as Solidworks and the LS‑DYNA FEA solver.
• Experience with solid and/or liquid rocket propulsion.
• Experience with implicit structural dynamics.
• Experience with Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems and computer programming languages.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship.
• Demonstrated excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.

• Experience with computational fluid dynamics and hypersonics.
• Experience with mechanical testing of materials and structures.
• Experience with computational modeling of fluid‑structure interaction.

Pay Ranges:
From $79,000.00 – $ per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.