New

Principal Structural Engineer - Stress Lead

Sierra Nevada Corporation
$165,010.21 - $226,889.04
life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, flex time, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Lone Tree
Sep 17, 2025
The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you're passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here. We are seeking a Principal Structural Engineer with a Bachelor's degree in a related Engineering field. In this challenging, fast-paced environment, you'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to design and create the most groundbreaking aerospace and defense technologies - those that exist today and those that will shape tomorrow. If you like solving problems and working with complex materials and systems, join our amazing team! As a Senior Structural Engineer, you will be using your skills to structurally substantiate our cutting edge products and services. These cover a very wide range from advanced mission payloads and electronic systems through highly integrated aircraft to orbital and space exploration systems. You'll guide the design team in load path establishment, evaluate the designs structurally, and document analysis results for certification evaluation/approval. The analytical scope for Structural Engineers can span from statics to fatigue and damage tolerance (FaDT) and dynamics (vibration, impulse, and impact). You'll support the product through the design and development phase, through production, and throughout the product lifecycle Here's what you can expect: Generous paid time off and flex time Friendly and talented colleagues Exclusive SNC company events Leadership and development training SNC Mentorship Program Education reimbursement Additional location specific amenities: Modern Campus setting built with collaboration spaces, spectacular mountain views and natural light throughout Free to use fitness center on-site State-of-the-art coffee house Full-service Cafeteria with planned breakfast and lunch options Access to walking and biking trails Must-haves: Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering or other related discipline and typically14or more years of relevant experience Thorough understandingof engineering principles and practices Advanced Experience withComputer Aided Engineering tools Experiencewith working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams Advanced Understanding of Static and/or Dynamic Analyses The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required Preferred: Experience in Engineering Simulation using Finite Element structural analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, Nastran, FEMAP, or ANSYS Experience performing fatigue and damage tolerance analysis utilizing tools such as NASGRO or AFGROW Experience performing airframe-level structural analysis using internal loads FEMs Ability to perform classical analysis using industry standard hand calculation methods Knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model-based definition, material hardware selection, manufacturing and production processes Experience with CATIA Ability to author substantiation reports Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry At Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America's fastest-growing companies. Learn more about SNC This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. Estimated Starting Salary Range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more. IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination.Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.