Approach Venture · 1 hour ago
Structural Analysis Lead - Advanced Composites
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$160K/yr - $230K/yr
5+ years expApproach Venture is a fast-growing defense and aerospace startup developing next-generation composite structures for high-performance applications. As the Lead Stress Analyst, you will establish and scale the company’s structural analysis capability, combining finite element modeling and experimental validation to ensure performance in real-world environments.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Torey Bell
Responsibilities
Build and maintain the company’s core finite element analysis framework for composite materials and structures
Develop validated structural models for coupons, sub-scale components, and full assemblies
Lead mechanical testing efforts to correlate simulation results with real-world performance
Define material properties, boundary conditions, and failure criteria for novel composite systems
Partner with materials, manufacturing, and design engineers to guide structural decisions
Analyze stress, strain, stiffness, and failure modes using advanced FEA techniques
Design test plans for structural validation including static, fatigue, and environmental testing
Investigate structural failures and conduct root cause analyses to improve reliability
Create internal analysis standards, templates, and workflows for scalable use
Mentor engineers and technicians supporting simulation and testing activities
Present analysis results and technical findings to internal teams and external stakeholders
Qualification
Required
5+ years of experience in structural or stress analysis for composite materials
Strong background developing and validating FEA models for complex structures
Experience setting up complete analysis workflows including software tools, modeling standards, and validation methods
Proven ability to use FEA to optimize structural performance, weight, and durability
Hands-on experience designing and interpreting mechanical tests for composites
Familiarity with structural failure analysis and test correlation
Proficiency with CAD tools and technical drawings including GD&T
Comfortable working in fast-paced, startup-style engineering environments
Strong communication skills across multidisciplinary teams
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering
Preferred
10+ years in composite structural analysis
Experience with thermal or coupled thermal-structural simulations
Background supporting composite manufacturing or production environments
Familiarity with cloud-based CAD platforms
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
Benefits
Stock options
401k with employer match
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Company
Approach Venture
Enabling founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Bryce Dabbs
Founder & CEO
Tristan Cembrinski
Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase