Structures Analysis Lead

Ghostworks Marine builds specialized, high-performance composite vessels for commercial and U.S. Navy customers. As we scale from individual program builds to a multi-program operation, we're adding senior technical depth to ensure the structural integrity of every vessel we design and build — from first-article prototypes to established platform families.

Position Summary

The Structures Analysis Lead is a senior individual-contributor role serving as the company's top technical authority on structural analysis of composite marine vessels. This roll sets analysis methodology and standards for the team, and mentors Structures Analysts across all levels. The role reports to engineering leadership and works closely with naval architecture, manufacturing, and program management to ensure structures are analyzed to the rigor required for both commercial classification and military acceptance.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as final technical reviewer and approver for structural analysis deliverables, including hand calculations, finite element models, and load case development. Establish and maintain structural analysis methodology, standards, and best practices across the Structures Analyst team. Lead analysis of primary and secondary structure — hulls, decks, bulkheads, foundations, and appendages — for composite construction under both commercial and military requirements.

Define and validate load cases (static, dynamic, slamming, fatigue) appropriate to vessel type and service profile. Review and approve analysis performed by Structures Analysts I–V, providing technical mentorship and structured feedback. Interface directly with classification societies and military technical authorities on structural certification and acceptance matters.

Partner with Naval Architecture and Manufacturing to resolve structural design and build issues, including material substitutions and repair dispositions. Own structural analysis documentation standards, ensuring traceability and audit-readiness for both commercial and government customers. Identify and drive continuous improvement in analysis tools, processes, and methods as the company scales across multiple concurrent programs.

Qualifications

Required Bachelor's degree in Structural, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience. Significant hands-on experience in structural analysis of composite marine or aerospace structures, including finite element analysis. Demonstrated ability to independently own structural analysis from load case definition through final sign-off.

Strong working knowledge of composite material behavior, laminate theory, and failure modes. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with one or more of the following classification society scantlings rules: ISO 12215, DNV HSLC, Bureau Veritas. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical rationale to non-technical stakeholders.

S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements. Preferred Experience mentoring or informally leading junior analysts. Additional Information This position is based on-site in Holland, MI. Relocation assistance is not provided; candidates must currently reside within a commutable distance or be willing to relocate at their own expense.

Due to the nature of our government contracts, this position requires U.S. Citizenship.