Lead Mechanical Engineer; Analyst

Overview

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The Lead Mechanical Engineering (Analyst) is responsible for directing and executing structural, thermal, and opto-mechanical analyses in support of the development of high-performance opto-mechanical systems, such as telescopes, beam directors, and related instruments and subsystems.

This role spans the development of precision structures, mechanisms, and optical support assemblies for platforms ranging from terrestrial to spaceborne. The analyst performs detailed stress, thermal, and dynamic assessments using both closed-form methods as well as advanced finite element techniques, and leads the characterization of optical performance in demanding thermal and vibrational environments. Responsibilities include ensuring system survivability, alignment, and optical performance under operational and survival loads, preparing comprehensive analysis reports, developing structural test requirements, and supporting environmental testing campaigns—including dynamic and thermal verification—to validate analytical predictions and confirm compliance with system requirements.

• Perform and lead detailed structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses of opto-mechanical systems
• Develop and validate finite element models for stress, steady state and transient thermal, modal, random vibration, and shock analyses (Femap with NX/Nastran and/or Sim Center 3D preferred)
• Use closed-form methods to provide quick-turn assessments and to validate FEA results
• Characterize operational and survival loads (thermal cycles, random/sine, shock, launch, wind, seismic), predict system response, assess structural integrity and stability
• Conduct STOP analysis to characterize optical performance (e.g., wavefront error, line-of-sight jitter, alignment stability); experience with preparing results for processing with optical analysis software such as Code V or Zemax using Sigfit or Matlab preferred
• Prepare and deliver analysis reports and design review documentation (PDR, CDR)
• Develop structural and thermal test requirements to validate analytical predictions
• Support environmental testing campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum) including test planning, data correlation, and anomaly resolution
• Contribute to risk assessments and design trades, recommending design modifications based on analysis outcomes
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, optical engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to ensure requirements compliance
• Mentor less experienced engineers in analysis tools, methods, and best practices

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. An understanding of precision mechanism design and/or opto-mechanical design principles, as well as hands-on hardware assembly, integration, and testing are essential.
• Minimum 7 years of related experience in a professional role with a bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or related discipline; or minimum of 5 years of experience with a master’s degree, or 3 years of experience with a doctorate in a relevant field.

• Expertise in finite element analysis (FEA);
  Femap with NX Nastran or Sim Center 3D preferred
• Strong knowledge of structural mechanics, heat transfer, and dynamics as applied to precision opto-mechanical systems; experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a plus
• Experience with thermal-structural coupling and integrated opto-mechanical performance characterization; experience with Sigfit a plus
• Familiarity with optical performance metrics (wavefront error, jitter, line-of-sight stability) and their mechanical drivers
• Proficiency in environmental loads analysis (thermal environments, random vibration, acoustic, shock, seismic, wind)
• Ability to correlate analysis with test data and refine models based on measured results
• Knowledge of materials selection for precision structures (aluminum, steel, invar, ceramics, structural adhesives, etc.). Familiarity with composites is a plus.
• Strong technical writing skills (analysis reports and design review documentation)
• Effective communication and teamwork skills for…