Stress Engineer II

Job Title: Stress Engineer II

Job Description

The Stress Engineer II will perform advanced finite element structural analysis to support the design, integration, installation, and testing of special mission aircraft, including work on platforms such as C-130 and KC-135. This role focuses on both dynamic and static stress analysis, covering primary and secondary structures, to enable innovative aerospace and defense technologies. The position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where you can wear many hats, collaborate closely with leadership, and contribute directly to complex structural engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering simulations using finite element structural analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, FEMAP, or ANSYS to evaluate aircraft structures.
• Conduct dynamic and static stress analysis on a mixture of primary and secondary aircraft structures and components.
• Apply classical analysis methods to validate and complement finite element results and ensure structural integrity.
• Analyze and interpret structural behavior related to damage tolerance, durability, producibility, cost, dynamics, loads, stability, and stress fatigue.
• Perform thermal analysis and assess the impact of thermal loads on structural performance and safety.
• Develop, review, and refine complex structural engineering specifications for mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronics, power plant, armament, heating and ventilating, equipment, and maintenance designs.
• Support the design, system integration, installation, and testing of special mission aircraft modifications on platforms such as C-130 and KC-135.
• Recommend design approaches and structural solutions that meet production requirements for new or improved products and processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve structural issues and optimize designs for performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Document analysis methods, assumptions, and results, and present findings and recommendations to engineering and program stakeholders.
• Provide technical input during design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of analysis tools, processes, and standards.
• Occasionally visit hangars to observe installations, gather data, and support troubleshooting of structural and integration issues.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 or more years of relevant experience in aviation or aircraft structural engineering.
• Proficiency with finite element structural analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, FEMAP, or ANSYS.
• Hands-on experience performing dynamic and static stress analysis on aircraft structures, including both primary and secondary structures.
• Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Stress Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Strong understanding of classical structural analysis methods and their application to aerospace structures.
• Experience analyzing damage tolerance, durability, dynamics, loads, stability, stress fatigue, and thermal effects on structures.
• Ability to develop and interpret complex structural engineering specifications for multi-disciplinary systems.
• Experience working with aviation or aerospace platforms and associated structural requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills applied to structural and stress challenges.
• Ability to clearly document and communicate analysis results and design recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting system integration, installation, and testing activities for special mission or modified aircraft.
• Familiarity with structural aspects of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronics, power plant, armament, heating and ventilating, and equipment systems.
• Experience in fracture mechanics and structural fracture analysis.
• Knowledge of producibility and cost considerations in structural design and analysis.
• Experience working in fast-paced aerospace or defense project environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional engineering teams and adapt to changing project needs.
• Interest in contributing to both current and next-generation aerospace and defense technologies.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced environment where you will work primarily in an office setting using advanced engineering and FEA tools, with periodic visits to aircraft hangars to support integration, installation, and test activities. You will collaborate closely with engineering leadership and cross-functional teams, benefiting from a culture that values direct access to decision-makers and opportunities to take on diverse responsibilities. The organization offers a competitive benefits package, including a 401(k) program with a 6% match up to 150%, and provides a dynamic environment focused on growth, innovation, and continuous improvement in aerospace and defense projects.

This is a Contract position based out of Centennial, CO.

The pay range for this position is $57.24 - $57.24/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Centennial,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.