Structural/Thermal Analysis Engineer

Title: Electronic Control Unit Structural & Thermal Analysis Engineer

Location: Remote (within 2 hours of Gastonia, NC)

Pay Rate: $80-$100/hr

Duration: 6-Month Contract (with possible extension)

Hours: Monday - Friday | Standard business hours

Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a full employee benefits package including paid time off, paid holidays, three medical plans, dental & vision coverage, a 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Structural & Thermal Analysis Engineer to support the development of electromechanical actuation systems used in commercial aircraft cargo door locking and latching mechanisms. This role will focus on analyzing and validating electronic control units to ensure performance under vibration, shock, and thermal conditions experienced in flight. This is a primarily remote role, with occasional on-site collaboration required in Gastonia, NC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine FEA models to evaluate structural integrity under vibration and shock conditions
• Perform steady-state and transient thermal analysis of electronic control units
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, component, and packaging engineers to optimize designs
• Analyze test data and correlate results with simulation models to improve performance
• Support design validation and certification through detailed technical documentation and reporting
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings and customer-facing discussions as needed
  
  

Qualifications:

• 15 years of experience in structural dynamics and thermal analysis (FEA)
• Strong experience analyzing electronic assemblies or electromechanical systems
• Proficiency in vibration, shock, and thermal modeling techniques
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering teams in a collaborative environment
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills
• U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR facility)
  
  

Preferred Experience:

• Aerospace or aviation-related systems experience
• Experience with electronic packaging and motor control units
• Familiarity with qualification and certification processes
  
  

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.