senior structural test engineer

$124,800 - $208,000/Yr

Randstad - Santa Cruz, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Santa Cruz, CA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Senior Structural Test Engineer will be responsible for conducting structural tests on flight-critical components for electric aircraft, supporting the Testing Team. This contract role may extend or convert to a full-time position, focusing on validating the structural characteristics of aircraft structures, particularly those made from composite materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and set up tests to validate structural characteristics of primary and secondary aircraft structures, focusing on composite materials.
• Collaborate with aircraft design teams to understand specific design loads and operating conditions.
• Develop formal test plans, procedures, and instrumentation setups.
• Design test stands, fixtures, and data acquisition systems for thorough, repeatable testing.
• Collect and analyze data from tests, generating detailed reports.
• Provide quantifiable feedback to engineering teams to help optimize aircraft designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, or 6+ years with a Master's degree, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in laboratory hardware testing.
• Skilled in hands-on test setup and execution, including working with test hardware and data acquisition.
• Background in structural engineering with expertise in non-metallic and composite materials, especially aerospace structures.
• Proficient in using sensors (e.g., strain gauges, potentiometers, accelerometers) and sensor installation.
• Knowledgeable in data acquisition, signal conditioning, and processing techniques for various sensors.
• Experience in mechanical design, creating manufacturing drawings, and using CAD.

Nice-to-haves

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with composite testing.
• Familiarity with FAA certification processes for aircraft.
• Experience in industrial test laboratory procedures and environments.
• Proficiency with Dassault Systemes CATIA, including Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design.
• Experience with advanced instrumentation such as Digital Image Correlation and fiber optic strain measurement.
• Hands-on machine shop skills (lathe, mill, welder, etc.).
• Experience in aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• 401K contribution
• Incentive and recognition program