Principal Structural Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Structural Engineer

Location: Westminster, CO (On-Site)

Pay Range: $63.87/hr – $82.66/hr

Employment Type: Contract to Hire

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), flexible hours, overtime allowed

A forward-leaning aerospace and defense organization in Westminster, CO, is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to join their growing Mechanical Solutions team. This role will play a key part in developing and analyzing structures that support space-based systems and mission-critical technologies. The environment promotes technical innovation, collaboration, and long-term career growth. This opportunity includes potential for permanent conversion.Why This Role Stands Out:

Work on cutting-edge aerospace systems in a collaborative, engineering-driven culture.

Join a team passionate about precision, safety, and mission success.

Flexibility in hours, with opportunities for overtime and long-term career potential.

Exposure to a wide range of structural technologies and analysis techniques.Key Responsibilities:

Lead structural analysis of spacecraft components, payloads, support systems, and ground support equipment.

Use both closed-form calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) tools to conduct static, modal, buckling, and dynamic evaluations.

Develop load environments and support environmental testing (shock, vibration, modal, acoustic, etc.).

Write and maintain detailed engineering documentation and reports.

Collaborate across design, test, and systems teams to ensure project success from concept through integration.Must-Have Qualifications (Non-Negotiable):

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field.

6+ years of experience with mission systems, spacecraft, ground systems, or payload structures.

Active Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Proficiency in Nastran for structural analysis, including static, modal, buckling, and frequency response.Nice-to-Have Skills:

Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or a related field.

Experience with FEA software: Simcenter, FEMAP, LS-Dyna, Abaqus, MATLAB, Adams, SolidWorks, Python.

Familiarity with advanced FEM applications such as: Explicit, Transient, Nonlinear, Multibody Dynamics, Line of Sight, and Jitter.

Experience with analysis of complex assemblies: joints, welds, fatigue, fracture, composite materials, and electronics structures.

Note: This role is based 100% on-site in Westminster, CO. Local commuting or relocation is expected. Travel between nearby facilities may be required on occasion.

If you meet the non-negotiable qualifications and are ready to apply your expertise in a high-impact, forward-facing aerospace environment, connect with LHH today to be considered.

Pay Details: $63.87 to $82.66 per hour

Search managed by: Shannon Implom

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

The California Fair Chance Act

Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Full-time