Principal Structural Analyst

Our client, a mission-driven organization developing highly regulated, flight-class energy and power technologies, is looking for a Principal Structural Analyst to lead structural and mechanical analysis across the full product lifecycle-from early concept and prototyping through qualification and flight hardware.

Job Summary:
In this role, you will perform and lead detailed structural/mechanical analyses for complex structures, subsystems, and components operating in demanding mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments. You will evaluate performance against structural limits, applicable codes/standards, and verification expectations, producing clear, traceable analysis documentation. You'll also help define test plans to validate analytical results, correlate test data back to models, and guide design decisions with engineering partners.

This position will mentor other analysts and review partner/vendor analysis deliverables for technical rigor and quality consistency.

Location: Seattle, WA area (Hybrid/Onsite 3 days/week)
US citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply.
Work sponsorship is not available at this time.
Compensation Range: $140,000 - $185,000 year

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed structural and mechanical analyses of structures, subsystems, and components across all program phases (concept, prototype, qualification, flight hardware).
• Evaluate mechanical performance against structural limits, regulatory requirements, and applicable design/pressure vessel codes (e.g., ASME BPVC, AWS D1.1).
• Apply flight-class structural design and verification standards to ensure compliance with integrity, safety factors, and documentation practices (e.g., NASA structural standards such as NASA-STD-5001/5012 and related handbooks/standards).
• Assess margins and performance under mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments using static, modal, vibration, and explicit dynamic analyses.
• Produce clear, traceable analysis reports and provide actionable guidance to engineering stakeholders.
• Develop test requirements and validation plans; correlate test results to analytical models and refine predictions accordingly.
• Mentor internal analysts; review vendor/partner analysis deliverables for accuracy, compliance, and quality consistency.
• Provide input to mechanical design teams on sizing, configuration, and material selection.
• Collaborate closely with systems, materials, and test engineering to drive robust, manufacturable, testable designs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• 7+ years of structural analysis experience in steady-state, random vibration, and thermal environments (aerospace and/or nuclear highly relevant).
• Strong proficiency with FEA tools (ANSYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus, Nastran, LS-DYNA a plus).
• Deep background in dynamic structural analysis (random vibration, sine sweep, shock, transient response).
• Experience with impact, re-entry, or launch environment analyses (preferred).
• Working knowledge of aerospace/flight structural verification processes and standards (NASA standards highly desired).
• Familiarity with fracture mechanics, fatigue life estimation, and damage tolerance.
• Experience producing stress reports and margin justifications consistent with aerospace or prime-contractor expectations.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools (Solid Works or similar) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience working within structured quality systems (e.g., NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar).
• Excellent technical writing and the ability to present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-starter able to lead analysis efforts with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

About Hansell Tierney:
Hansell Tierney is one of the premier staffing and recruiting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Launched in 2001, we are a woman-owned business that serves and staffs Northwest organizations by doing things the right way, not just the easiest way. Hansell Tierney partners with candidates and clients to match the best candidates with interesting local opportunities. We navigate every relationship with the highest level of discretion and service while holding ourselves accountable to our promises.

Our business thrives on our deep understanding of the job market and our ability to skillfully tailor our recruitment process to meet our clients' unique needs.

Compensation and Benefits Disclosure
The compensation range listed above represents the expected range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience, skills, internal equity, and geographic location.

Benefits available to eligible employees or consultants may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and other employer-sponsored programs.

This role may also be eligible for bonus, commission, or other incentive compensation…