Principal Engineer – Structural and Vibration Analyst

Company Overview

Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive challenges of flying while accessing realistic, scalable training in dynamic outdoor environments.

The Role

Red 6 Technologies is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer – Structural & Vibration Analyst to conduct detailed analysis of advanced hardware for military jet and rotary-wing aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural and vibration analysis, as well as experience with thermal and CFD modeling, military environmental standards, and opto-mechanical systems.

This role provides an opportunity to work on innovative technologies in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and advanced optical sensor systems, helping redefine how pilots and warfighters train and operate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, grow, and mentor a team of Mechanical Analysis Engineers, provide technical guidance, design leadership, and foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Perform detailed structural, vibration, and modal analyses of aerospace hardware to ensure reliability and compliance with design and environmental requirements.
• Conduct shock and dynamic analyses, including steady-state and transient vibration regimes.
• Conduct CFD analyses to evaluate system performance in highly dynamic fluid flow events.
• Develop finite element models and simulations using ANSYS Workbench, verifying analytical results through test data correlation.
• Analyze and design electronic packaging and structural components for extreme operational conditions.
• Work closely with Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Product, and Systems Engineering teams to develop integrated, flight-qualified hardware.
• Ensure compliance with relevant military and aerospace standards, including MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-516, AS9100, and MMPDS specifications.
• Support environmental test procedure development and assist in the execution and oversight of testing programs.
• Participate in design reviews, documentation generation, and technical reporting for internal and customer stakeholders.
• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of successful team leadership, team building and project leadership.
• 10+ years of experience in stress and structural analysis for aerospace or military systems.
• 10+ years of experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
• Proven experience in vibration and shock analyses, including steady-state and transient regimes.
• Experience with electronic packaging and structural integrity assessment for aerospace applications.
• Proven experience maintaining industrial design intent; ensuring that structural and thermal solutions align with aesthetic goals, user experience requirements, and product brand identity.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CREO or SolidWorks Preferred) and other relevant engineering tools.
• Hands-on experience applying MIL-STD-810 and similar environmental test method standards.
• Familiarity with material, design, process, and quality specifications such as MMPDS and AS9100.
• Strong communication skills and ability to document and present technical findings effectively.
• Must be able to commute or move to Louisville, Colorado. On-site work required (relocation negotiable).
• Qualified candidate must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. This requires U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in the design and analysis of military hardware for airborne or defense platforms.
• Experience designing and analyzing for weight reduction and structural optimization a plus.
• Proficiency in ANSYS Workbench for structural, modal, and thermal analyses.
• Familiarity with aerospace and optical materials, including adhesives, composites, and coatings.
• Experience developing environmental testing procedures and overseeing qualification tests.
• Working knowledge of military airborne platforms and environmental operating conditions.
• Experience with AR/VR systems, optical sensors, and precision opto-mechanical alignment.
• Estimated Base Salary Range: $170,000-$200,000 dependent on skills and experience
• Full-Time Employee Benefits
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision (100% coverage for Employees)
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and parental leave
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity)
• May be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on individual and company performance, subject to plan terms.
• Note
• Red 6 reserves the right to change its current benefits program at any time, in a manner that is consistent with applicable federal and state regulations.
• This job description is not a contract and confers no contractual rights, privileges, or benefits on any applicant or potential applicant. Red 6 has the right to change any and all terms of this job description, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits. Nothing in this job description constitutes an offer or guarantee of employment.
• Red Six Aerospace, Inc, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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