Structural Engineer - Stress, Design, Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Engineer - Stress, Design, Systems Engineer

Company: SOGECLAIR

Location: Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical)

Date Posted: September 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves contributing to advanced aerospace programs, focusing on structural stress analysis, structural design, or systems engineering for aircraft.

• Key responsibilities include performing structural substantiation, developing and modifying aircraft components and systems, and ensuring seamless integration across multidisciplinary teams.

• Candidates will leverage expertise in metallic and composite materials, utilizing industry-standard CAD and FEA software to deliver robust engineering solutions.

• The position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on collaboration and technical communication within a fast-paced aerospace environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions three distinct engineering disciplines (Structural Stress, Structural Design, and Systems Engineering) and states candidates don't need expertise in all three. This suggests the hiring team is looking for specialists in each area, potentially for different project needs or to build out specialized teams. The "Hybrid" work arrangement, coupled with the mention of "remote positions depending on the specific program and engineering discipline," indicates a flexible approach to work location, which is a significant draw for operations professionals seeking work-life balance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Structural Design Engineering:

  • Design and develop aircraft structural components, assemblies, and installations, with a focus on metallic and composite structures.
  • Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using CATIA V5 and SolidWorks.
  • Evaluate structural designs for manufacturability, installation, maintainability, and integration.
  • Support design changes, modifications, repairs, and engineering investigations.
  • Collaborate with Stress, Systems, Manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines.

• Structural Stress Engineering:

  • Perform comprehensive structural analysis (static strength, fatigue, durability, damage tolerance) of metallic and composite aircraft structures.
  • Evaluate primary structural components and assemblies to ensure integrity and compliance with program requirements.
  • Support structural sizing, design optimization, modifications, and repairs.
  • Develop engineering calculations, reports, and detailed structural substantiation documentation.
  • Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS and/or Abaqus.
  • Work closely with Structural Design Engineers to develop practical and structurally sound solutions.

• Systems Engineering:

  • Support aircraft systems development, integration, installation, and verification processes.

  • Develop and manage system-level requirements and define interfaces between various aircraft systems.

  • Evaluate system architecture and integration requirements for complex aerospace platforms.

  • Coordinate engineering activities across structural, electrical, mechanical, avionics, and other technical disciplines.

  • Support system-level design reviews, technical investigations, and engineering change management.

  • Identify and resolve complex interface and integration issues.

  • Develop comprehensive engineering documentation for system design, integration, and verification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breakdown of responsibilities by discipline (Structural Design, Structural Stress, Systems Engineering) is crucial. It allows candidates to immediately identify which set of duties aligns with their expertise. The emphasis on collaboration ("Collaborate with Stress, Systems, Manufacturing," "Collaborate closely with Structural Design Engineers," "Coordinate engineering activities across structural, electrical, mechanical, avionics, and other technical disciplines") highlights the importance of cross-functional teamwork, a common theme in complex engineering operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is preferred. Experience:

• Previous aerospace or defense engineering experience is required.

• 5-10 years of experience in a relevant engineering discipline.

• Expertise in Structural Stress, Structural Design, or Systems Engineering.

• Experience supporting programs involving metallic structures, composite structures, or both.

• Primary aircraft structure experience is strongly preferred for Structural Stress and Structural Design positions. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in CATIA V5 and SolidWorks for design and modeling activities.

• Experience with ANSYS and/or Abaqus for Structural Stress candidates.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent technical communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• U.S. Citizenship is required. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with primary aircraft structures.

• Experience in damage tolerance, fatigue, and durability analysis.

• Familiarity with system-level requirements management tools.

• Understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and their impact on design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for U.S. Citizenship is a critical filter for candidates and should be noted prominently. The preference for "primary aircraft structure experience" for design and stress roles indicates a need for deep expertise in load-bearing components, which are central to aerospace operations and safety. The mention of specific software (CATIA V5, SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus) points directly to the technical stack and expected proficiencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Structural Design: Showcase 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, and design documentation for aircraft components or assemblies, highlighting manufacturability and integration considerations.

• Structural Stress: Present FEA models, analysis reports, and substantiation documentation for metallic and composite structures, demonstrating static strength, fatigue, and damage tolerance capabilities.

• Systems Engineering: Include examples of system architecture diagrams, interface control documents, requirements traceability matrices, and verification plans for complex aircraft systems.

• General: Demonstrate experience with process optimization, workflow documentation, and the application of engineering tools to solve complex problems, with a focus on delivering robust and compliant aerospace solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of documenting design processes, analysis methodologies, and system integration procedures.

• Examples of creating and maintaining engineering drawings, reports, and technical specifications according to industry standards.

• Demonstrated ability to follow and contribute to established engineering workflows for design, analysis, and verification.

📝 Enhancement Note: For engineering roles, a portfolio is essential. The "Portfolio Essentials" section is tailored to each of the three disciplines, providing concrete examples of what candidates should prepare. This is vital for operations roles where demonstrating tangible contributions through past projects is key to showcasing problem-solving and execution capabilities. The emphasis on documentation aligns with the structured nature of aerospace engineering operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the experience level (5-10 years), location (Wichita, Kansas), and the specialized nature of aerospace engineering, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Structural Engineers, Stress Engineers, and Systems Engineers in the U.S. aerospace sector with this experience, the estimated annual salary range is likely between $95,000 to $135,000. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Wichita and the demand for skilled engineers in the aerospace industry. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match).

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Life and disability insurance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours.

• Flexibility may be offered depending on program needs and work arrangement (hybrid/remote), with potential for occasional overtime during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no salary was provided, a regional and experience-based estimate has been generated. Wichita, Kansas, is a significant hub for the aerospace industry, which influences salary expectations. The estimated range of $95,000-$135,000 reflects the blend of technical expertise, experience level, and the highly specialized nature of aerospace engineering roles. The inclusion of standard benefits is typical for full-time engineering positions in the U.S.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense. SOGECLAIR operates within a sector characterized by stringent regulatory requirements, high safety standards, and continuous innovation, demanding precision and reliability in all engineering operations.

Company Size: (Information not directly provided, but inferred from context as likely mid-to-large enterprise given the specialization and program scope). A mid-to-large size typically means established processes, dedicated departments, and opportunities for structured career progression.

Founded: (Information not directly provided). The company's history and founding principles would influence its long-term vision and operational ethos.

Team Structure:

• Operations: Likely structured into specialized engineering disciplines such as Structural Design, Structural Stress, and Systems Engineering, with potential for further sub-specializations.

• Reporting: Clear reporting lines within each discipline, with project managers or engineering leads overseeing specific programs or deliverables.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration between Design, Stress, Systems, Manufacturing, and other departments to ensure integrated and efficient product development.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Rigorous application of engineering principles, FEA, and CAD tools for data-driven design and analysis.

• Workflow Planning: Structured project management and engineering process workflows to manage complex aerospace development cycles.

• Automation: Utilization of advanced software tools for design, analysis, and simulation to enhance efficiency and accuracy in engineering operations.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/rUYAf59H96MxpXCS6WXu66/jobs-at-sogeclair

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided job listing is sparse on company culture details. However, given the industry (Aerospace & Defense), the culture is presumed to be highly professional, process-oriented, and safety-conscious. The emphasis on collaboration and specialized engineering disciplines suggests a team environment where deep technical expertise is valued and shared.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced engineer, likely mid-career (5-10 years). It requires a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical application of specialized tools and methodologies within the aerospace domain. The position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to complex projects and potentially mentor junior engineers.

Reporting Structure: Engineers will likely report to an Engineering Lead or Manager within their specific discipline (Structural Design, Stress, or Systems). They will collaborate closely with project managers and other engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the safety, performance, and reliability of aircraft. Successful execution of design, stress analysis, and systems integration is critical for program success, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, the company's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within Structural Stress, Structural Design, or Systems Engineering through advanced projects and training.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other engineering disciplines through collaboration, fostering a broader understanding of aircraft development.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading specific engineering tasks, sub-teams, or small projects.

• Technical Expertise: Become a subject matter expert (SME) in specific areas of aerospace engineering.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and guide junior engineers, developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as requiring significant experience, placing it beyond an entry-level position. The growth paths outlined focus on deepening technical expertise and moving into more responsible project roles, which is typical for engineering careers in the aerospace sector. The emphasis on "operations impact" highlights how individual contributions tie into larger business objectives and safety critical outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with opportunities for both on-site work in Wichita, Kansas, and Falcon Hill, Utah, as well as remote positions. This offers a blend of in-person collaboration and personal flexibility.

Office Location(s): Wichita, Kansas, and Falcon Hill, Utah. These locations are known aerospace hubs, suggesting access to industry expertise and a supportive professional network.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid model implies that on-site days will be focused on team meetings, design reviews, and hands-on problem-solving. Remote days will allow for focused individual work and analysis.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, specialized engineering software (CATIA V5, SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus), and potentially advanced simulation environments.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, project managers, and potentially manufacturing specialists.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour workweek is typical.

• The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring workdays, balancing core collaboration hours with focused individual tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote options are significant features. For operations professionals, this implies a need for strong self-management skills, effective virtual collaboration tools, and the ability to transition between independent work and team-based problem-solving. The specific office locations in Wichita and Falcon Hill are strategic, placing engineers within established aerospace ecosystems.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with required qualifications, particularly U.S. Citizenship and engineering discipline expertise.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussion covering specific engineering knowledge, problem-solving approaches, and experience with relevant software tools (CATIA, ANSYS, etc.). Expect scenario-based questions related to structural analysis, design challenges, or system integration issues.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present examples from their portfolio showcasing design work, stress analysis reports, or systems engineering documentation. This is a critical step to demonstrate practical application of skills and project impact.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit with the SOGECLAIR team and its operational methodologies.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and final alignment with the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to Discipline: Clearly distinguish between Structural Design, Stress, and Systems Engineering examples.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your contributions (e.g., % weight reduction achieved, stress margins improved, integration issues resolved).

• Showcase Process: Explain your thought process, the tools used, and the challenges overcome. Documenting your approach is as important as the outcome.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to deep-dive into specific projects, explain design choices, and defend analysis results.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of successful cross-functional teamwork.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical engineering problems related to aircraft structures or systems. Think about how you would approach diagnosis, analysis, and solution development.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with CATIA V5, SolidWorks, ANSYS, or Abaqus, and potentially walk through a simple example if asked.

• Design Trade-offs: Consider how you would balance competing requirements like strength, weight, cost, and manufacturability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process described emphasizes technical depth and practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio. For operations roles, this means candidates should be prepared to articulate not just what they did, but how they did it, and the impact it had. The portfolio review is a key differentiator for engineering roles, serving as a tangible representation of an applicant's operational capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: CATIA V5, SolidWorks (for Structural Design and general design tasks).

• FEA Software: ANSYS, Abaqus (essential for Structural Stress Engineers).

• Data Management: Potential use of PDM/PLM systems for managing design data and revisions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analysis Tools: Specific software for structural calculations, simulations, and system performance modeling.

• Reporting Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel for calculations, Word for reports, PowerPoint for presentations).

• Data Visualization: Tools for presenting analysis results and design concepts.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: To track tasks, schedules, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and file sharing.

• Requirements Management Tools: Potentially used by Systems Engineers to track and manage system requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of CATIA V5, SolidWorks, ANSYS, and Abaqus is critical. Candidates must have demonstrable experience with these tools, especially ANSYS/Abaqus for stress engineers. This is a core component of the technical requirements for this role, directly impacting an applicant's ability to perform the job's essential functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Rigor: A commitment to accuracy in design, analysis, and documentation, given the safety-critical nature of aerospace.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing input from diverse engineering disciplines to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative solutions to complex technical challenges.

• Continuous Improvement: A focus on refining processes, improving designs, and enhancing system performance.

• Safety & Compliance: Adherence to strict industry standards and regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary: Engineers are expected to work seamlessly with colleagues from various engineering specialties (structural, systems, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing).

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive criticism and the exchange of technical ideas to improve designs and analyses.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to established engineering processes and workflows, with an emphasis on clear communication and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, the culture within an aerospace engineering firm like SOGECLAIR is typically characterized by a strong emphasis on technical excellence, safety, and meticulous process adherence. The collaborative nature is essential for integrating complex systems and ensuring structural integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Tackling intricate structural and systems integration problems on advanced aircraft programs.

• Balancing Requirements: Optimizing designs to meet stringent performance, weight, cost, and safety requirements simultaneously.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new materials, analysis techniques, and software advancements in the aerospace industry.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Effectively managing communication and alignment across diverse engineering teams and stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Training: Access to specialized courses on composite materials, advanced FEA techniques, or specific aircraft systems.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend aerospace engineering conferences to learn about new trends and network with peers.

• On-the-Job Learning: Exposure to a wide range of aircraft programs and engineering challenges, fostering continuous skill development.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant engineering certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the demanding yet rewarding nature of aerospace engineering. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical mastery and expanding professional networks within the industry, crucial for long-term career development in this specialized field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Structural Stress: "Describe a complex structural analysis you performed. What were the key challenges, the methodologies you employed (e.g., FEA setup, material models), and how did your analysis influence the final design?"

• Structural Design: "Walk me through the process of designing a critical aircraft component. How did you ensure it met structural requirements, was manufacturable, and integrated properly with other systems? Discuss your use of CATIA V5/SolidWorks."

• Systems Engineering: "Explain your approach to defining and managing system-level requirements and interfaces for a complex aerospace system. How do you ensure integration across different engineering disciplines?"

• General: "How do you approach problem-solving when faced with conflicting engineering requirements (e.g., weight vs. strength, cost vs. performance)?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SOGECLAIR and our work in the aerospace sector?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative engineering environment, especially in a hybrid or remote setting?"

• "Describe a time you had to communicate a complex technical issue to a non-technical audience." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the tools/methodologies used, the solution, and the measurable outcomes/impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, screenshots of models/analyses, and concise charts to illustrate your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your design decisions, analysis assumptions, and problem-solving steps.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, showcase projects where you worked effectively with other engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions requires candidates to reflect deeply on their past projects and articulate their contributions clearly and concisely. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to demonstrate practical skills and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Structural Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring your resume clearly highlights your experience in Structural Stress, Structural Design, or Systems Engineering, along with your U.S. Citizenship status.

• Tailor your Resume: Emphasize specific software proficiencies (CATIA V5, SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus) and experience with metallic and composite aircraft structures. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your best work relevant to the specific discipline you are applying for. Focus on design documentation, analysis reports, or system integration plans.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research SOGECLAIR: Understand the company's mission, recent projects, and its role in the aerospace industry to demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.