Senior Structural Analysis Engineer
Apply NowCompany: Icarus
Location: El Segundo, CA 90245
Description:
Company Description
Icarus is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, developing solar-powered stratospheric drones designed to enhance global connectivity and observation. Operating at altitudes 20 times closer to Earth than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, our drones deliver superior 5G direct-to-device communication and ultra-high-resolution imagery. With the capability to remain airborne for up to a year through autonomous solar-powered operations, Icarus offers continuous, cost-effective solutions that surpass traditional cell towers and satellite systems.
Role Description
As a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer, you will lead the structural analysis of our solar-powered stratospheric drone to ensure reliability, efficiency, and performance under extreme operating conditions. This role requires advanced analytical expertise, a thorough understanding of aerospace materials, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to deliver lightweight, high-strength designs optimized for high-altitude operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Preferred Skills:
Compensation and Benefits:
Icarus is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, developing solar-powered stratospheric drones designed to enhance global connectivity and observation. Operating at altitudes 20 times closer to Earth than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, our drones deliver superior 5G direct-to-device communication and ultra-high-resolution imagery. With the capability to remain airborne for up to a year through autonomous solar-powered operations, Icarus offers continuous, cost-effective solutions that surpass traditional cell towers and satellite systems.
Role Description
As a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer, you will lead the structural analysis of our solar-powered stratospheric drone to ensure reliability, efficiency, and performance under extreme operating conditions. This role requires advanced analytical expertise, a thorough understanding of aerospace materials, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to deliver lightweight, high-strength designs optimized for high-altitude operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform detailed finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress, strain, and deformation under various loading scenarios, including aerodynamics, aeroelasticity (fluid-structure interaction), and wind loadings.
- Work directly with the mechanical design engineer to optimize structural designs to achieve weight reduction without compromising safety, performance, or compliance.
- Develop and oversee structural testing campaigns to validate analysis models, including static, dynamic, and fatigue testing.
- Work closely with teams in aerodynamics, thermal, propulsion, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration and system-level performance.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of structural analysis experience
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Siemens NASTRAN or other structural analysis tools.
- Experience with aircraft projects.
- Experience with aeroelasticity, fluid-structure interaction (FSI), and/or structural dynamics.
- Experience with nonlinear materials such as metal plasticity and adhesive joints.
Compensation and Benefits:
- $120,000 to $160,000 salary
- Large equity in the company
- Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plan with HSA.
- Dream desk setup, including tools and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
- Daily lunch and unlimited Celsius.
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.