Mechanical Simulation Engineer

Summary

FIRST RF is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with demonstrated expertise in FEA analysis methods to support the development of advanced RF and antenna systems for defense and aerospace applications. This role focuses on structural, shock, dynamic, and thermal simulation of complex electronic and RF assemblies operating in demanding environments across land, sea, air, and space platforms.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to predict and solve mechanical challenges before hardware is built, helping ensure mission-critical performance and reliability for our customers.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural, thermal, and dynamic simulations for RF systems and electronic assemblies using a suite of Altair (now Siemens) simulation tools (Hypermesh, Optistruct, RADIOSS, Hyperlife), and Solid Works Simulation.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate:
  • Thermal performance and heat dissipation
  • Thermo-Structural integrity
  • Shock and vibration survivability
  • Fatigue/Durability
  • Environmental requirements under MIL-STD-810 and related conditions
  • Develop and validate simulation models through correlation with environment, thermal, and vibration test data
• Collaborate with RF, mechanical, and electrical, and systems engineers to optimize designs for
• • Weight
  • Manufacturability
  • Reliability
  • Environmental performance
  • RF compatibility
• Support the design and packaging of high-reliability electronic and RF hardware for aerospace and defense applications
• Participate in technical and customer design reviews, presenting analysis results, and engineering recommendations
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, analysis reports, and test correlation data
• Support root-cause investigations and troubleshooting activities during integration and test
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, customer requirements, and applicable industry and military standards

Required Education and Experience

• Must have U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, electronics packaging, or related industries
• Strong experience performing structural, thermal, and vibration simulation on complex assemblies
• Proficiency with simulation tools such as
  • Altair (now Siemens) Software Suite (Preferred)
  • Solid Works Simulation (Preferred)
  • MSC Nastran
  • NX Nastran
  • ABAQUS
• Experience with electronic packaging for high-reliability environments
• Strong understanding of
  • FEA concepts & methodologies
  • Thermal management techniques
  • Shock and vibration analysis
  • High-temperature material options and perfornance
• Experience working with MIL-STD-810 and/or DO-160 environmental requirements
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools, Solid Works preferred
• Extensive knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and GD&T
• Experience with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, and composite structures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary development environment

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Experience supporting DoD or aerospace programs
• Experience designing for harsh or high-temperature environments
• Familiarity with RF systems, phased arrays, or antenna systems
• Experience with test correlation and model validation
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other technical programming languages
• Experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior engineers

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Typical office hours include Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm; however, these hours may vary based on workload and the manager's discretion.
Travel

About 10% travel is expected for this position as required for…