Aircraft Loads Engineer | Flight Sciences

The Aircraft Loads Engineer will be responsible for developing external aircraft loads including gusts, maneuver, and ground loads for fixed wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The engineer will support development of aircraft FEM and ensuing external loads for structural sizing. You will work closely with the Flight Science and Structures teams, as well as various system experts in ensuring that aircraft capability is accurately captured in load case definition. You will collaborate with the Certification team to ensure loads development aligns with certification requirements and drive component and aircraft-level structural test definition.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of external loads requirements and analyses including maneuver, gust, and ground cases using six degree of freedom (6DOF) models
• Define load cases for both fixed wing and VTOL aircraft that align with certification requirements
• Develop mass and stiffness representative structural FEM and generate external loads
• Assist in loads test development and execution (at the component and flight test level)
• Use a multidisciplinary understanding of aircraft design to proactively identify areas for improvement in design and analysis

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• At least 3-5 years of experience in aircraft loads analysis and testing, including steady state maneuvers, abrupt maneuvers, gust response, landing loads, and miscellaneous conditions such as canopy loads, etc.
• Experience with aerodynamic analysis methods of varying fidelity (panel methods, CFD, etc.)
• Experience in the use of industry standard loads analysis software such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, etc.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Curiosity and ability to identify and rapidly implement new requirements and analysis processes for next generation aircraft

Nice to have

• Experience with load case definition and analysis in vertical flight, particularly for novel aircraft configurations with industry standard tools such as RCAS
• Demonstrable understanding of aircraft flight controls and impact of fly by wire systems on loads development
• Experience with design and analysis of loads mitigation strategies
• Experience as a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER)

Benefits

• BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.