Senior Structural Aerospace Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking Senior Structural Aerospace Engineers to support next-generation aerospace systems.

This role sits at the center of structural integrity and performance—working across analysis, design, and testing to ensure critical aircraft components meet demanding safety, weight, and durability requirements. You’ll be hands-on with both classical stress analysis and advanced simulation, influencing real design decisions and seeing your work carry through from concept to validation.

You'll also drive technical mentorship and work package oversight (10–25%), and function as the senior subject matter expert coaching team members, tracking project workflows, and supporting leadership with planning updates.

If you enjoy solving complex structural challenges, working closely with design teams, and having a direct impact on flight-critical hardware, this is the kind of role where your work actually shows up in the final product.

Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be US Citizens or US lawful permanent resident.

This role is remote and can have up to 25% travel as needed. Proximity to Indianapolis preferred. Eastern or Central time zone preferred

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform structural/stress analysis using a combination of hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Perform structural dynamic analysis, including rotor dynamics, torsional system dynamic analysis, and environmental equivalence.
• Work with designers to incorporate analysis findings, influence load paths, and optimize structural designs for strength, weight, and manufacturability.
• Analyzing failure modes, supporting test programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and customer requirements
• Support structural testing, ensuring designs meet regulatory standards, and communicating findings to cross-functional teams.
• Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs. performance)
• Compile documentation of stress analysis to support release of engineering drawings and documents
• Support test execution and analyze test results to validate and verify that designs meet requirements and specifications
• Effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or a related field
• 10+ years of Aerospace experience preferred
• Significant experience in structural analysis and design
• Proficiency in engineering software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS and Siemens NX (Unigraphics) CAD
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, and material science, with the ability to interpret complex results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.
• The QDSS Advantage: At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You’ll Find Here

Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.

Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.

A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.