Lead Stress Engineer (Hybrid)

Since 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has been enhancing the passenger experience through innovative aircraft seat design and manufacturing. With locations in California, Washington, and Germany we are guided by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.

We are looking for a skilled Lead Stress Engineer to join our team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is an hybrid position based in Huntington Beach, CA. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, and we offer competitive benefits along with opportunities for growth.

Hybrid Work Arrangement: This role is designated as hybrid; however, candidates should anticipate working onsite full-time during the initial onboarding and ramp-up period. Following successful integration into the role, a hybrid schedule will be available based on performance, business needs, and team requirements. Regular onsite attendance is required for customer meetings, testing, and key business activities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Stress Engineer is responsible for the structural certification of aircraft interior structures including all supporting stress analyses. The Lead Stress Engineer presents analysis in Interface Loads Reports or Stress Analysis Reports and creates static test plans to certify aircraft interior structures via static testing. This role determines specific certification requirements from FAA and customer documentation. They will participate in the development of new products and technical proposals in order to enable the company to capture new and additional business, as well as participate in the preparation and presentation of Design Reviews. The Lead Stress Engineer directs the evaluation and approval of repair procedures and should possess the motivation to complete projects on time and represent the company's core values.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Determine structural certification path for aircraft interior installations, structures, and components
• Carry out preliminary and detailed stress analysis of aircraft interior structures and components using FEA (FEMAP/NASTRAN or similar software) and hand calculations using aerospace industry methods
• Prepare and check interface loads reports, static test plans/reports, stress analysis reports, comparative analysis reports, FEA models, and etc.
• Support static testing efforts, which may include inspecting the setup prior to test, interfacing with the delegated test witness to resolve any deviations from the test plan and assisting the test lab with fabrication of the setup as needed.
• Act as primary interface with customer stress engineers to identify and assist in articulation of customer requirements and priorities; discuss and resolve technical/program issues and problems and provide contract status and updates
• Identify, evaluate, establish, and implement alternative courses of action in response to changing customer focus, requirements, or needs relating to structural analysis
• Lead other stress engineers on one or more projects and ensure tasks are completed on time with good quality
• Review and approve drawings, deviations, and rework for stress requirements
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or similar technical discipline is required
• Master’s Degree in Engineering or similar technical discipline is desired

Experience:

• 6+ years of direct experience

Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills, self-motivation, a sense of urgency and sensitivity to deadlines, and detail oriented
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and the ability to analyze, regulatory requirements and advisory materials
• Strong technical writing ability is desired
• Highly proficient in FEA and aerospace industry hand calculation methods
• Ability to communicate and present both orally and written
• Ability to work independently and as part of a broader team
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Detailed knowledge of TSO processes and general FAA regulations preferred
• Detailed knowledge of dynamic, static, and flammability testing processes and procedures preferred

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Knowledge of FAA (Part 21 and Part 25) and Boeing requirements
• AutoCAD and/or CATIA V5 familiarity
• Programming proficiency in VBA or Python
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Understanding of material properties, test methods, and processes to obtain allowables
• Experience with design and testing of aircraft interiors such as galleys, monuments, and seats

Other:

• Extended or irregular hours may be required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company.
• As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.
• Tasks may vary slightly based on products produced at a division.

SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

• Direction is provided for assignments in terms of desired outcome (goals), timing and budget. Work is reviewed or measured in terms of meeting organizational objectives and schedules.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

• May oversee the work of others. Assist in the training and coaching of other team members

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Develop and provide solutions to complex problems based on established precedents and are consistent with organization objectives

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Salary Range Transparency: $100,000 - $150,000 annually

Featured Benefits:

• Up to 7% bonus potential (for bonus eligible positions)
• Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off
• 12 paid holidays
• Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family
• And so much more!

Other Perks:

• On-site gym
• Free electric car charging stations
• Potential for growth within organization
• Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture