Stress Engineer Principal Sr

Company: Cirrus Design Corporation
Location: Duluth
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Cirrus Aircraft is seeking a Senior Principal Stress Engineer in the Structures team, Product Development, acting as a structures Subject Matter Expert (SME) developing and certifying new aircraft and related product designs. Also develops standard analysis and test methods used for structural substantiation. Job title and salary at hire are dependent on overall experience and expertise. This role is based in Duluth MN. Relocation assistance is provided. Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions Subject matter expert, mentoring and coaching other stress and design engineers. Participates in personal and department continuous improvement activities, such as standards development. Develop aircraft structural layout. Develops and validates structural analysis methods. Develops FAA certification plans. Leads project assignments and takes responsibility for designs and design outcomes. Generate and peer review structural analysis of aircraft structures that includes: detail part sizing, and strength assessment of structure and systems installations, as well as correlation to test articles using classical hand analysis methods and FEA. Generate and peer review certification test plans, test reports and analysis reports. Material Review Board (MRB) - Develops repair dispositions and repair substantiation for MRB non-conformances. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum 4-year Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with at least 18 years of experience in aircraft structural analysis, testing and FAA certification. Recognized within engineering for structural technical competence. Extensive knowledge of aircraft structure, materials and manufacturing processes including composites. Ability to provide technical leadership, guidance and decision making. Candidate must have thorough understanding of load paths and aircraft structural behavior. Knowledge of developing internal loads from global aircraft loas as well as component loads is required. Classical hand analysis (including composite laminate plate theory). Highly experienced with Finite Element Analysis (FEMAP/Nastran preferred). Knowledge of FAA Part 23 regulations for aircraft certification. Familiarity with Part 23 Amdt. 64 and ASTM compliance standards preferred. Experience with composite repair design and substantiation. Anticipates project tasks Solid knowledge of program management Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and effective communication skills (written and verbal). Must be able to demonstrate ability to read, write and speak the English language. Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Business Insight: Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organizations goals. Develops Talent : Develops people to meet both their career goals and the organizations goals. Cultivates Innovation : Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Decision Quality : Makes sound decisions, even in the absence of complete information; Relies on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment when making decisions; Considers all relevant factors and uses appropriate decision-making criteria and principles; Recognizes when a quick 80% solution will suffice. Persuade : Positions views and arguments appropriately to win support; Convinces others to take action; Negotiates skillfully in tough situations; Winds concessions without damaging relationships; Responds effectively to the reactions and positions of others Our Benefits : Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including: 401(k) Plan : Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting. Employer-Paid Coverages : Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance. Comprehensive Health Coverage : Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options. Free Health Tracking : With rewards for meeting health goals. Generous PTO : 160 hours accrued within the first year. Employee Referral Bonus : For referring talented candidates. Career Development : Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities. Exclusive Discounts : Access to partner and marketplace discounts. Community & Engagement : Company and employee clubs at various locations. These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus! Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Keywords: Cirrus Design Corporation, Duluth , Stress Engineer Principal Sr, Engineering , Duluth, Minnesota