Vehicle Structures Analyst II

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Vehicle Structures Analyst II to drive the analysis of high-speed airbreathing vehicles. In this role, you’ll take ownership of challenging projects, lead analysis efforts, and help shape the future of aerospace technology in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams, and see your work on real flight hardware. 

About Specter Aerospace

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production

Role & Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced hand calculations and classical analysis of primary and secondary structural elements 

• Create, validate, and refine finite element models for linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analyses (Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys, etc.) 

• Write and review margins for stress, fatigue, and fracture mechanics (damage tolerance) analysis 

• Prepare and present structural reports to internal and external stakeholders 

• Develop and maintain analysis tools in Python and MATLAB to streamline workflows 

• Lead planning, instrumentation selection, and data analysis for structural and material testing 

• Perform material selection and author test plans for material property testing using current standards 

• Support and lead coupled thermal-structural analysis efforts 

• Take ownership of deliverables and drive projects to completion in a fast-paced, innovative environment 

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline 

• 2–5 years of relevant full-time experience in aerospace or related industries 

• Strong foundation in engineering principles, including hand calculations and first-principles analysis 

• Proficiency with finite element analysis tools (Femap with NX Nastran, Abaqus, Ansys, or similar) 

• Experience with structural analysis of various material systems (steel, titanium, Inconel, composites, ceramics, etc.) 

• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python for tool development and automation 

• Experience with dynamic analysis and/or coupled thermal-mechanical analysis 

• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required) 

Desired Skills

• Experience with high-speed aerospace systems, missiles, or launch vehicles 

• Knowledge of additive manufacturing (DMLS, DED, etc.) 

• Familiarity with solid mechanics, fatigue analysis, fracture mechanics, structural dynamics, and/or aeroelasticity 

• Experience with composite structures and developing design allowables 

• Active DoD security clearance 

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status