Principal Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Divergent is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Structural Analysis Engineer to support the development of next-generation aerospace and automotive structures utilizing the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). This role applies advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and CAE methodologies to evaluate, optimize, and validate structural systems while partnering closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Product Engineering throughout the development lifecycle.

Depending on experience and demonstrated technical leadership, this position may be hired at the Senior Engineer (E05), Lead Engineer (E06), or Principal Engineer (E07) level. Engineers at higher levels are expected to provide increasing technical leadership, define engineering methodologies, influence product strategy, and mentor other engineers while solving the organization's most challenging structural analysis problems.

Structural Analysis

• Develop, analyze, validate, and optimize finite element models for structural components, assemblies, and complete vehicle or aerospace systems using advanced CAE methodologies.
• Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses including crash, durability, fatigue, vibration, stiffness, thermal, and multi-physics simulations.
• Validate simulation results using engineering hand calculations, physical testing, and correlation activities.
• Develop engineering recommendations balancing structural performance, manufacturability, cost, weight, production efficiency, and certification requirements.
• Apply advanced material modeling techniques for metals, composites, adhesives, and emerging manufacturing technologies.

Product Development

• Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Test Engineering, and Product Engineering to develop manufacturable structural solutions.
• Support structural design throughout concept development, detailed design, prototype builds, testing, validation, and production launch.
• Drive design improvements, cost reduction initiatives, manufacturability enhancements, and product optimization activities.

Technical Leadership

• Present technical findings and engineering recommendations to cross-functional teams, engineering leadership, customers, and external partners as appropriate.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers while promoting engineering best practices.
• Contribute to the development of CAE methodologies, modeling standards, simulation workflows, and validation processes.

At higher engineering levels (E06–E07), lead major technical initiatives, establish structural analysis methodologies, define technical approaches for complex programs, and influence engineering decisions across multiple products or programs.

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years (E05), 8+ years (E06), or 12+ years (E07) of structural analysis experience in aerospace, automotive, or related industries.
• Expert experience with Abaqus, LS-Dyna, Nastran, Opti Struct, or equivalent CAE software.
• Experience performing nonlinear structural analysis including crash, durability, dynamic, thermal, vibration, or multi-physics simulations.
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics and structural behavior of metals, composites, adhesives, and advanced materials.
• Experience validating analytical results using engineering calculations and physical testing.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

• Experience with aerospace structural certification and MIL-STDs.
• Experience supporting DoD, FAA, or other regulatory certification activities.
• Experience developing new simulation methodologies or advanced CAE workflows.
• Experience leading structural analysis for complete vehicle or aerospace…