Structural Engineer

Engineer the Tools Behind Aerospace Innovation

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a premier leader in the aerospace industry to hire a Structural Engineer for an exciting opportunity in El Segundo, California. If you're passionate about structural analysis, advanced tooling design, and solving complex engineering challenges, this role offers the chance to make a direct impact on cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing and production programs.

Join a team where your expertise will help ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of critical tooling fixtures, assembly structures, lifting devices, and manufacturing equipment that support the development of next-generation aerospace technologies.

Location: El Segundo, CA 90245

Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (4-Month Assignment)

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 9/80 Work Schedule

Pay Rate: $80.38 per hour

Make an Impact on Aerospace Manufacturing Excellence

As a Structural Engineer, you'll support a high-performing Tooling Engineering team by developing structural analysis packages that demonstrate compliance and integrity for tooling fixtures used in aerospace fabrication environments.

From assembly work stands and lifting jigs to composite tooling and production equipment, your work will help ensure manufacturing operations run safely, efficiently, and in accordance with rigorous engineering standards.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys combining analytical expertise, practical fabrication knowledge, and innovative problem-solving to support complex aerospace programs.

What You'll Do

Structural Analysis & Engineering

• Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) tools, including FEMAP and NASTRAN.
  
• Analyze static and dynamic loading conditions for tooling fixtures, lifting equipment, and support structures.
  
• Evaluate engineering designs involving metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials.
  
• Assess stress, fatigue, durability, stability, load paths, and damage tolerance for tooling applications.
  

Design & Development

• Support the design and development of:
  
  
  
  • Assembly work stands
    
  • Lifting jigs
    
  • Composite dies
    
  • Drill fixtures
    
  • Machine attachments
    
  • Production and experimental tooling
    
  
  
  
• Develop and conceptualize designs using 3D modeling tools such as NX and CATIA.
  
• Create fabrication drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.1-Y14.5 standards.
  

Documentation & Technical Reviews

• Author detailed structural analysis reports and engineering documentation.
  
• Review analysis reports prepared by other engineers.
  
• Verify engineering products for compliance with specifications, standards, and procedures.
  
• Present technical findings, recommendations, and solutions to management and customer representatives.
  

Collaboration & Problem Solving

• Work closely with engineers, designers, manufacturing teams, and tooling specialists.
  
• Participate in technical reviews, team meetings, and problem-solving sessions.
  
• Provide guidance regarding fabrication and machine shop best practices.
  
• Support process improvements and innovative engineering solutions.
  

Safety & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate structural and operational safety risks.
  
• Ensure tooling designs comply with applicable company, industry, and government standards.
  
• Support compliance efforts for aerospace manufacturing and production operations.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline
  
• Experience supporting medium-to-large-scale tooling fabrication, production fabrication, manufacturing operations, or related engineering environments
  
• Experience performing structural analysis using:
  
  
  
  • Hand calculations
    
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
    
  
  
  
• Knowledge of stress analysis methods, concepts, and engineering practices
  
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as:
  
  
  
  • NX
    
  • CATIA
    
  
  
  
• Ability to create, interpret, and review engineering drawings and specifications
  
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME drawing standards
  
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
  
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
  
• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance. 
  
• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
  
   
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment
  
• Professional Engineer (PE) License, preferably in California, or actively pursuing licensure
  
• Direct experience with tooling mechanics and structural stress analysis
  
• Experience designing tooling and fabrication solutions with consideration for:
  
  
  
  • Accessibility
    
  • Mobility
    
  • Manufacturability
    
  • Cost efficiency
    
  • Performance requirements
    
  
  
  
• Current active DoD Secret Clearance with an investigation or periodic review completed within the last five years
  
• Experience with composites, metallic structures, coatings applications, and aerospace production processes
  

Why Join Us?

Work on Advanced Aerospace Programs

Support innovative aerospace manufacturing initiatives and contribute to projects that help shape the future of the industry.

Apply High-Level Engineering Expertise

Tackle challenging structural analysis and tooling design projects that demand creativity, precision, and technical excellence.

Collaborate with Industry Experts

Work alongside accomplished engineers, designers, manufacturing professionals, and aerospace specialists in a highly collaborative environment.

Competitive Compensation

Earn $80.38 per hour while contributing to meaningful, technically challenging projects.

Expand Your Professional Impact

Gain valuable experience supporting aerospace production operations, structural analysis efforts, and tooling systems that enable mission-critical manufacturing success.

Partner with PDS Tech Commercial

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect exceptional talent with opportunities that foster growth, professional development, and meaningful contributions to industry-leading organizations.

Ready to Build the Foundation of Aerospace Innovation?

If you're a highly analytical Structural Engineer with experience in structural analysis, tooling design, and advanced manufacturing environments, this is your chance to contribute to projects that drive aerospace excellence.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial in partnership with a leader in the aviation industry, where your engineering expertise will help develop the tools and systems that make aerospace innovation possible.

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