Explicit Dynamic Analysis Engineer – Aircraft Structures

Job description

Position Overview We are looking for an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer with hands-on expertise in explicit dynamic finite element analysis and bird-strike simulation using Altair Radioss. The role involves performing structural integrity assessments of aircraft primary and secondary structures, with particular emphasis on CFRP composite airframe structures and polycarbonate transparencies/windshields. The engineer will be responsible for developing and executing high-fidelity nonlinear simulations, assessing structural response under bird-impact loading, interpreting failure mechanisms, and providing engineering recommendations to demonstrate structural integrity and compliance with applicable aerospace requirements. Key Responsibilities • Perform explicit dynamic bird-strike analysis using Altair Radioss for aircraft structural components and assemblies. • Conduct structural integrity assessments of primary and secondary aircraft structures subjected to bird impact and other high-rate dynamic loading. • Develop and execute detailed nonlinear finite element models including: • CFRP composite structures • Metallic airframe structures • Polycarbonate transparencies and windshields • Hybrid composite/metallic assemblies • Fasteners, joints and relevant interfaces • Define appropriate material models, failure criteria, contact definitions, boundary conditions and impact scenarios for bird-strike simulations. • Model bird impact using suitable bird material/constitutive representations, including appropriate SPH or equivalent approaches where applicable. • Perform composite damage and failure assessment, including relevant intralaminar and interlaminar failure mechanisms. • Evaluate structural response including: • Global deformation • Local damage and penetration • Material failure • Delamination • Cracking/fracture • Energy absorption • Residual structural integrity • Assess polycarbonate transparency/windshield response, including deformation, cracking, penetration and containment behaviour under impact. • Perform model setup, mesh sensitivity studies, correlation and verification activities to establish confidence in simulation results. • Post-process and interpret large volumes of explicit dynamic simulation data and identify critical failure modes. • Correlate simulation results with test data and/or physical bird-strike test results where available. • Prepare detailed engineering reports documenting assumptions, methodology, model validation, results, failure mechanisms and conclusions. • Support design substantiation and certification activities through technically robust analysis and engineering justification. • Work closely with structural design, materials & processes, testing and certification teams to develop practical solutions to bird-strike-related structural challenges. • Provide technical recommendations for design modifications, material selection, reinforcement and structural optimization. • Contribute to development and improvement of bird-strike analysis methodologies, modelling standards and best practices. Required Technical Skills • Strong hands-on experience in explicit nonlinear dynamic FEA. • Mandatory experience with Altair Radioss for impact/dynamic analysis. • Good understanding of: • Explicit time integration and numerical stability • Nonlinear material behaviour • Large deformation and high strain-rate effects • Contact and impact mechanics • Energy balance and numerical quality checks • Failure and damage modelling • Experience in aerospace structural analysis, particularly aircraft primary and/or secondary structures. • Strong understanding of CFRP composite mechanics and failure behaviour. • Experience in modelling composite damage/failure and delamination is highly desirable. • Experience with polycarbonate transparencies, aircraft windows or windshields and impact behaviour is highly desirable. • Ability to interpret and troubleshoot explicit dynamic simulation issues such as: • Negative/unstable energy behaviour • Excessive element distortion • Hourglass energy • Contact instability • Mass scaling • Time-step limitations • Nonphysical numerical effects • Familiarity with pre- and post-processing tools such as HyperMesh/HyperView is preferred. • Knowledge of other FEA tools such as Nastran, Abaqus or LS-DYNA is an advantage. • Strong understanding of aerospace structural substantiation and engineering documentation. Experience • Minimum 3 years of relevant industry experience in structural FEA / explicit dynamics. • Candidates with 3–8 years of experience in aerospace impact analysis, bird-strike analysis or related explicit dynamic applications are preferred. • Direct experience with aircraft structures, composite structures or aircraft transparencies will be strongly preferred. Education • B.Tech / M.Tech in Mechanical, Aerospace, Aeronautical or related Engineering discipline. Desired Additional Experience • Bird-strike certification and regulatory requirements, particularly FAA/EASA bird-impact requirements, is highly desirable. • Experience with 14 CFR / CS-25 bird-strike requirements and associated certification evidence. • Familiarity with aerospace test standards and correlation of simulation with physical impact testing. • Experience with SPH-based bird modelling or equivalent high-fidelity impact modelling techniques. • Experience with scripting/automation using Python, MATLAB or similar tools for pre/post-processing and engineering workflow automation. Behavioural & Professional Competencies • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to independently investigate complex structural failure mechanisms. • Good technical communication and engineering report-writing skills. • Ability to work effectively with geographically distributed engineeri