Dynamic Structural Analysis Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Apr 29, 2026. Applied Research Associates scores A on the Alion truth index.
The Silicon Valley Office (SVO) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a Dynamic Structural Analysis Engineer to join our team. SVO is located in Los Altos, CA and is ARA’s Center of Excellence in Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Analysis and regularly orchestrates a variety of full-scale testing projects. SVO conducts research and design for structures and materials applications, including crashworthiness and transportation safety, impact, penetration, and fracture and failure analysis. We specialize in complex multi-physics modeling of structures such as automotive, aerospace and rail vehicles, as well as civil structures, in challenging dynamic environments.
Job Location: Position is remote; preferred location is Los Altos, CA, with alignment to the Los Altos, CA ARA office or other ARA locations across the U.S.
Essential Functions:
- Conduct finite element analyses (FEA) of challenging dynamic structural applications that include contact, nonlinear material behavior, transient heat transfer and fracture using the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA.
- Construct finite element meshes of complicated geometries.
- Assist in test planning and test data analysis with potential for onsite test support.
- Develop digital twins of complex structural tests including test response, data analysis and comparison with simulations.
- Perform engineering analyses on a variety of structures projects.
- Identify and qualify new research and development opportunities with government and industry clients.
- Conduct face-to-face meetings and prepare technical and cost proposals.
Education:
- A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics.
- Graduate level GPA of at least 3.4/4.0.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience with finite element analysis (FEA).
- Experience with Hypermesh FEA model preprocessors, CAD software such as Solidworks and the LS-DYNA FEA solver.
- Experience with solid and/or liquid rocket propulsion.
- Experience with implicit structural dynamics.
- Experience with Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems and computer programming languages.
- Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship.
- Demonstrated excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with computational fluid dynamics and hypersonics
- Experience with mechanical testing of materials and structures.
- Experience with computational modeling of fluid-structure interaction
Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $79,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979, employs over 2200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities and autonomy to take active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are expected to advance new capabilities to support company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The core values “Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth” and the motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sum up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.