Stress engineers develop structural stress tolerance standards and perform tests on aircraft, boats, and other structures. They may work for manufacturers or regulatory agencies and require advanced degrees and experience. They also conduct forensic investigations and recommend materials and construction parameters.
A stress engineer develops standards for structural stress tolerance and performs tests on aircraft, boats and their components. Many people in this field work for manufacturers who design and build these products. Others may be employed by regulatory agencies that set basic health and safety standards. Government agencies may also utilize stress engineers for structures such as bridges, tunnels, and similar large public works projects. There may be travel requirements for a stress engineer to inspect sites and equipment, as well as meet with customers.
This work requires a thorough understanding of the different types of structural stress and the types of situations that can cause it. Aircraft, for example, have to deal with wind and heavy loads. Mathematical modeling can be used to simulate various situations to determine how components respond to them. Voltage tolerances need to consider the worst possible operating conditions. Engineers can develop recommendations for materials, fabrication techniques, and other construction parameters to ensure equipment meets standards.
Functional testing can also be part of a stress engineer’s job. Laboratory facilities allow technicians to put components and materials through rigorous stress testing to see how they perform in the field. If materials fail these tests, they need to be analyzed to determine how and why they failed. This information helps engineers determine how to re-engineer materials and components so they don’t fail.
Companies can also use a stress engineer in a forensic investigation. When equipment fails, researchers representing a range of interests often want to inspect it to determine what happened. For manufacturers, real-world failures can provide important information to help them avoid similar incidents in the future. Investigations can also determine responsibility; for example, a pilot may have made a mistake or a component may have been installed incorrectly during manufacture or maintenance.
Advanced degrees in engineering are typically required for people in this field. Stress engineers may also have several years of experience in similar industries and environments. A focus on a subject of specific interest, such as business jets or naval destroyers, is common stress for an engineer. These engineering professionals want to be sure they are well versed in the systems they work with and the conditions in which they are used, so that they can provide the best quality services to their employers and customers. For military work, the ability to pass a background check and handle confidential material is also usually required.
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