Approach Venture · 2 months ago
Senior Stress Analyst - Defense Tech Composites
El Segundo, CA, US
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$150K/yr - $220K/yr
5+ years expApproach Venture is a rapidly scaling, venture-backed defense-tech company focused on high-performance structural components for aerospace and defense applications. As a Senior Stress Analyst, you will conduct structural analyses and guide engineering decisions to ensure the integrity of advanced composite systems, collaborating closely with design and manufacturing teams.
Management Consulting
Responsibilities
Conduct structural and stress analyses for composite components and assemblies, including static loads, fatigue, dynamic response, buckling, temperature-driven loading, and damage tolerance
Develop and maintain robust finite-element models using advanced simulation tools; incorporate nonlinear material behavior, laminate theory, and thermal-mechanical interactions
Compare analytical predictions with physical test results, investigate deviations, and iterate models to improve accuracy and reliability
Influence design decisions by providing guidance on laminate architecture, materials selection, manufacturing constraints, and tooling considerations
Partner with design, materials, manufacturing, and quality engineers to embed structural requirements throughout the product lifecycle
Create clear documentation outlining methodologies, assumptions, load cases, test correlations, and structural margins
Stay current on industry standards, material advancements, and structural certification principles relevant to aerospace and defense applications
Lead improvements in simulation methods, design tools, and analysis workflows to increase accuracy and throughput
Mentor junior analysts and contribute to the establishment of internal analysis best practices
Identify opportunities to automate or enhance the structural analysis pipeline using new techniques, tools, and processes
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field; advanced degree preferred
5+ years of experience performing structural/stress analysis for composite or high-performance components in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments
Strong proficiency with FEA tools (such as Abaqus, ANSYS, Nastran, Femap) and advanced analytical techniques for composite structures
Demonstrated experience correlating simulations with physical testing and incorporating feedback into refined structural models
Broad understanding of composite material mechanics, manufacturing processes, cure cycles, lay-up considerations, and typical failure modes
Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional partners and leadership
Comfortable working hands-on within a fast-moving hardware development environment
Preferred
Background supporting regulated aerospace or defense hardware programs, including exposure to structural certification or formal qualification processes
Experience establishing analysis standards, building simulation frameworks, or contributing to analysis strategy at the team or organizational level
Knowledge of emerging structural analysis methods, predictive tools, and digital-twin workflows
Publications, patents, or research contributions related to composites or structural modeling
Eligibility to work on programs subject to export control compliance, if applicable
Benefits
Medical, dental & vision coverage
401(k) Matching
Equity participation
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
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