Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!

We are looking for a Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst to join our team. The goal of an  Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst at Wisk is to ensure that The Propulsion system meets all structural certification requirements. You will be part of the Propulsion Integrated Product team that is responsible for converting DC power to thrust generation.

This is a hybrid work opportunity. At Wisk, this means working onsite at our HQ Mountain View office 3 days per week with flexibility for the remainder of the days. 

As a Staff Propulsion Stress Analyst, you will be the definitive technical authority for the structural integrity of the entire propulsion system. This is a high-priority role addressing a critical leadership gap, and you will own the analysis from the ground up, build the substantiation case for certification, and ensure the design is robust, lightweight, and certifiable. Our immediate challenge is moving from a prototype to a fully certifiable, production-intent design. The environment is fast-paced, and you must be comfortable with ambiguity and rapid design iterations, demonstrating a strong bias for action and first-principles thinking.

What you will do:

• Lead and perform comprehensive structural analysis (static, dynamic, fatigue, damage tolerance) for all propulsion system components, from initial concept to detailed design and testing.

• Develop and manage relationships with external analysis vendors or contractors, defining statements of work and ensuring the quality and accuracy of their deliverables.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the stress analysis team and other functions, effectively communicating complex technical results to non-experts in design, systems, and certification engineering.

• Own the development, validation, implementation, and improvement of stress analysis methodologies, tools, and allowables, including identifying gaps and coordinating standards specific to propulsion systems.

• Develop, automate, and maintain engineering tools/scripts (e.g., Python, VBA, MATLAB) to enhance analysis accuracy and workflow efficiency for propulsion stress analysis.

• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation (stress reports, methods docs, presentations) and ensure timely completion/prioritization of assigned development activities for propulsion components.

• Mentor other engineers on complex analysis and methods application, fostering a culture of technical excellence and first-principles thinking within the propulsion stress team.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in aerospace structural stress analysis, with a significant focus on propulsion systems or related critical structures.

• Expertise in static, dynamic, fatigue, and damage tolerance analysis, utilizing both classical hand calculation methods (e.g., Bruhn, Roark, Niu) and advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

• Demonstrated proficiency with FEA software, with a strong preference for NASTRAN, FEMAP, and LS-Dyna. Experience with Abaqus (Standard, Explicit), HyperMesh, and HyperView is also highly valued.

• Strong understanding and practical experience with FAA (Part 33/35) certification requirements, including preparing certification reports and collaborating with regulatory bodies.

• Proven experience with both metallic and composite structures.

• Familiarity with composite cross-sectional analysis tools like VABS or similar.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, demonstrating a strong bias for action and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with a track record of delivering robust and certifiable designs.

• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay range the company expects to pay: $195,000 - $229,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.

Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.

To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, disability/handicap, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, political convictions, language, social condition, or any other protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable provincial and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training

Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.