Space Propulsion Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer

Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer – Space Propulsion Systems – Reading, UK

LMO is a company based in the UK which develops Propulsion Systems for agile small spacecraft across the mission spectrum from Low Earth Orbit to Lunar regimes. Collaborating with major research and industry organisations, LMO is involved in the end-to-end design, development, verification, build, test, and operation of its space hardware products.

LMO UK is currently developing key propulsion technologies and subsystems to offer flexible and smart solutions for the complex future in-orbit servicing market. We work with major industrial partners and on challenging new projects. Programmes at LMO cover a range of applications across all technology readiness levels - from mission studies, new technology prototyping (TRL2-4), all the way up to development and qualification of full systems for space.

The ideal Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer candidate shall be a professional with an established background and relevant experience in mechanical systems and solutions for in‑space applications. They will be expected to contribute to technical development projects across LMO’s portfolio of propulsion systems and components.

The Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer will be responsible for major lifecycle activities across projects ranging from specialised propulsion components to full integrated flight mission systems. Furthermore, this role involves cross‑discipline interaction with the broader engineering team at all stages from concept through to successful product delivery.

Accordingly, the Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer will have the opportunity to bring their own unique insight to shaping solutions for LMO’s products and its customer’s missions.

Based out of the UK office in Reading, the role will be a hybrid mix of home/office working.

Planning of analysis and verification activities

• Definition of approaches and evolution of best practice for mechanical analysis
• Definition of approaches and evolution of best practice for mechanical testing

Preliminary analysis of mechanical solutions against system requirements

• Define‑Design‑Trade iterations in conjunction with Systems Engineering
• Application of hand‑calculations and first‑principles physics to structural, statics, dynamics, mechanics, kinematics, & thermal analyses

Detailed analysis and refinement of mechanical solutions

• Design‑Analyse‑Refine iterations in conjunction with Mechanical Designers
• Use of commercial tools (e.g. NASTRAN) and/or development of custom reduced‑order models/scripts for structural, statics, dynamics, mechanics, kinematics, & thermal analyses

Supporting major lifecycle milestone reviews

• e.g. Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Manufacturing Readiness Review (MRR), Test Review Board (TRB), etc.
• Coordination of internal and external test campaigns
• Execution of physical environment tests (Shock, Vibration, TVAC etc.)
• Post‑test processing, analysis, and interpretation of results

Preliminary design of mechanical solutions against system requirements

• Define‑Design‑Trade iterations in conjunction with Systems Engineering

Detailed design and refinement of mechanical solutions

• Design‑Analyse‑Refine iterations in conjunction with Mechanical Analysts

Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, & Integration (MAI)

• Generation of drawings, BOMs, build procedures, etc.
• Liaison with internal & external fabricators
• Hands‑on construction of complete system assemblies from component parts
• Benchtop functionality checks of system assemblies and subassemblies
• Mechanical inspection & conformance control of components & assemblies

Mechanical Analysis & Test

• Mechanical (Shock, Vibration) and Thermo‑Mechanical (TVAC) environments
• Working knowledge of (or ability to adapt to) the NASTRAN analysis environment
• Understanding of data processing, analysis, and interpretation methods

Mechanical Design

• Design for Manufacture, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
• Design of Pressurised Systems, Metallic Pressure Vessels, & Fracture Control
• Knowledge of materials for use in Space…