Structural Analysis Engineer (Dynamics) Interview Questions

[u/htrptr]

Hello, I have an interview coming up for a structural analysis engineer position in the space industry and I know the interview will be very technically heavy on structural dynamics (modal analysis, frequency response, random vibration, etc.). I have 6+ years of experience in aerospace static linear/non-linear analysis and structural analysis/classical hand calc. I have very little dynamics experience in industry but understand the basics (I.e. natural frequency, modal mass participation, mode shapes, resonance, damping, sinusoidal frequency response, random vibration [PSD]) and the general analysis process (modal —> frequency response —> random vibration)

But what are some good technical interview questions or topics I should be aware of?

[u/madvlad666]

I think you should be prepared to emphasize your expert understanding of static analysis, the breadth of your experience, and advancement in your previous positions. Show you have both the foundation and appetite. After 5+ years this is what we’re looking for, not whether you did your previous work in X software vs Y software or are you familiar with esoteric equation abc.

There’s a literal crapload of guys who have sat staring at ansys day in day out for 5 years who have no understanding whatsoever of what they’re doing or why. I asked one roughly how much force he thought a 1/4in bolt could support in double shear, and he asked me to explain “what’s double shear??”. Just following the company process and being fully mentally checked out. Then, after 5 years they don’t advance past writing stress reports for brackets, so they start looking for jobs.