Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onWest 132nd Street, Hawthorne, Los Angeles County, California, 90250, United States
Opportunity Summary
Join a well-funded, early-stage advanced manufacturing company developing next-generation composite materials and production methods. The team is focused on enabling high-performance parts to be produced at significantly higher speeds and lower costs than traditional approaches, unlocking new capabilities across aerospace, defense, and energy systems.
As the first dedicated Stress Engineer, you will establish and own the structural analysis function from the ground up. This role sits at the intersection of simulation, design, testing, and manufacturing. You will define methodologies, build modeling capabilities, and directly influence how novel composite materials are applied to demanding, real-world systems. Your work will shape both product performance and long-term technical strategy.
About Us
We are a venture-backed, early-stage engineering team building scalable manufacturing solutions for advanced composite materials. With strong financial backing and a focus on rapid iteration, we are developing new ways to design, validate, and produce high-performance components for critical applications. The team is small, highly technical, and focused on building foundational capabilities that will scale with the business.
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a critical engineering function from the ground up. You will have high ownership and direct impact on the product and company trajectory. The role offers exposure to complex, real-world engineering challenges within a fast-paced environment that provides strong opportunities for growth and advancement. Additionally, the position includes equity participation and long-term upside.
Hiring Process
Candidates must be U.S. Persons due to regulatory considerations. The interview process will assess technical depth in structural analysis, experience with composite materials, and the ability to thrive in a small, early-stage team environment.
Location
This is an on-site position located in Hawthorne, CA.
Work location
Work model: On-site
West 132nd Street, Hawthorne, Los Angeles County, California, 90250, United States
Hawthorne, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleOwn and develop structural analysis capabilities for composite materials and components
- check_circleBuild, validate, and refine finite element models for novel material systems
- check_circleGuide design decisions through simulation insights including geometry optimization and material selection
- check_circleDesign and implement mechanical testing strategies across coupons, subcomponents, and full systems
- check_circleOversee and support execution of structural testing and validation efforts
- check_circlePerform failure analysis and root cause investigations to improve performance and reliability
- check_circleCollaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and test teams to align analysis with real-world constraints
- check_circleHelp establish scalable processes, tools, and best practices for simulation and validation
Requirements
- verifiedU.S. Person status required
- verifiedBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- verified5+ years of experience in structural analysis of composite materials
- verifiedProficiency in CAD tools including GD&T
- verifiedExperience with failure analysis and root cause investigation
Nice to Have
Experience modeling both chopped fiber and continuous fiber composite systems. Familiarity with Abaqus or similar advanced simulation tools. Experience with thermal and multiphysics simulations. Background in composite manufacturing processes. Experience in aerospace or defense environments. Exposure to high-load or extreme environment applications. Experience presenting technical work or business cases to leadership. Prior experience in small teams or early-stage companies.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleEquity participation and long-term upside
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Structural Analysis, Finite Element Models, Fea, Composite Materials, Failure Analysis, Root Cause Investigation, Cad, GD&T, Abaqus, Thermal Simulations.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field required.
Frequently asked questions about Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture
What does a Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture do?expand_more
In this Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture role, you will own and develop structural analysis capabilities for composite materials and components; build, validate, and refine finite element models for novel material systems; guide design decisions through simulation insights including geometry optimization and material selection; and design and implement mechanical testing strategies across coupons, subcomponents, and full systems.
What are the requirements for this Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites role?expand_more
Approach Venture is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: U.S. Person status required; Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; 5+ years of experience in structural analysis of composite materials; Proficiency in CAD tools including GD&T; and Experience with failure analysis and root cause investigation.
Where is the Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites role at Approach Venture located?expand_more
Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture is based in West 132nd Street, Hawthorne, Los Angeles County, California, 90250, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Approach Venture has listed this Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites role?expand_more
Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.
What skills do you need for the Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites role at Approach Venture?expand_more
Key skills for Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture include Structural Analysis; Finite Element Models; Fea; Composite Materials; Failure Analysis; Root Cause Investigation; Cad; and GD&T.
What education is required for Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field required.
What category does the Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites role belong to?expand_more
Senior Stress Engineer - Advanced Composites at Approach Venture is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.
About Approach Venture
Approach Venture operates within the business consulting and services sector, based in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in supporting founding teams that are developing solutions at the forefront of frontier technology. By focusing on the specific needs of early-stage innovators, Approach Venture aims to help these organizations reach their full potential as they build the future of their respective technological fields.
Browse more roles: All Approach Venture jobs, engineering jobs on Recrutus.