Specialist, Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst (Space Systems)

Specialist, Mechanical Engineer – Structural Analyst (Space Systems)

The L3Harris space superiority and imaging mechanical engineering department is seeking a structural analyst to join our team and support programs that we have recently won. The department specializes in space-based, small and large aperture visible and IR telescopes with integrated electromechanical devices used for motion and focus control.

In this role you will perform structural analysis of complex space systems including optomechanical assemblies, precision structures, mechanisms, and electronic packaging. This position requires independent execution of sophisticated analyses, technical leadership, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to ensure structural integrity and system performance from concept through flight.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Interpret system specifications to develop achievable analysis plans
• Develop finite element models of complex space structures, including composites, metallics, and glass
• Perform comprehensive analyses for structural responses to ground, test, launch, and on-orbit environments, including: Structural strength and stability, Modal characteristics and dynamic response, Vibroacoustic environments, Thermoelastic response, Optomechanical performance, Fatigue/fracture assessments.
• Validate analysis approaches through correlation with test data and hand calculations
• Work independently with minimal oversight
• Prepare technical reports, analysis documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and customer deliverables
• Support design reviews, trade studies, and design optimization efforts
• Interface directly with design engineers, systems engineering, and test organizations
• Contribute throughout the development cycle: requirements definition, concept trades, preliminary/final design, component selection, and integration/test support
• Support manufacturing operations and provide technical guidance
• Participate in risk identification and mitigation activities
• Selected candidate will need to be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
• 2+ years experience with FEA codes (Nastran preferred; Ansys or Abaqus also considered) and pre/post processors (Femap or Patran preferred)
• Professional experience with structural analysis methods (FEA and hand-calculations)
• Professional experience with structural analysis of aerospace systems

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active TS/SCI Clearance is preferred
• Experience in the structural analysis of space structures
• Optomechanical systems and precision structures
• Composite structure design and analysis
• Dynamic analysis and test (modal, sine, random, acoustic, shock)
• Launch loads derivation and analysis
• Fracture and damage tolerance analysis
• Jitter/vibration analysis
• On-orbit Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) analysis
• Familiarity with NASA or DoD structural design standards and requirements
• Programming/scripting experience (MATLAB, Python, Fortran) for analysis automation
• Prior experience as a technical lead, project engineer, or IPT lead