Lead, Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst; Space Systems

Job Overview

Lead, Mechanical Engineer – Structural Analyst (Space Systems) – Responsible for performing and leading structural analysis of complex space systems, including optomechanical assemblies, precision structures, mechanisms, and electronic packaging.

Job Location:

Rochester, NY or Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule:

9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

• Lead the development of analysis strategies and approaches for complex space structures.
• Interpret system specifications and develop comprehensive analysis plans with minimal direction.
• Lead development of finite element models of complex space structures, including composites, metallics, and glass.
• Validate analysis approaches through correlation with test data and hand calculations.
• Serve as technical authority for structural analysis methods and best practices.
• Perform and review 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 and STOP analysis, optomechanical performance, fatigue/fracture assessments.
• Work independently on complex, high‑visibility programs.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior and mid‑level analysts.
• Lead technical reviews and provide expert recommendations to program leadership.
• Prepare technical reports, analysis documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and customer deliverables.
• Support and lead design reviews, trade studies, and design optimization efforts.
• Interface directly with design engineers, systems engineering, and test organizations.
• Serve as structural analysis lead or subject matter expert on major programs.
• 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.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation activities.
• Support proposal development and technical planning efforts.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering/science discipline and minimum 9 years of relevant experience; or Graduate Degree and minimum 7 years; or in lieu of a degree, minimum 13 years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience working on aerospace programs.
• 5+ years experience with Nastran (required) and commercial pre/post processors (Femap or Patran preferred).
• Professional experience performing structural analysis of aerospace systems.
• Experience with NASA or DoD structural design standards and requirements.

• Active TS/SCI Clearance (preferred).
• Optomechanical systems and precision structures.
• Composite structure design and analysis.
• Advanced dynamic analysis and test correlation.
• Fracture and damage tolerance analysis.
• Jitter / microvibration analysis.
• Electronic packaging analysis.
• On‑orbit thermoelastic (STOP) analysis.
• Programming/scripting experience (MATLAB, Python, Fortran) for analysis automation and tool development.
• Prior experience as a technical lead, project engineer, IPT lead, or chief engineer.
• Experience supporting proposal development and cost/schedule estimation.

Salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont: $106,000 – $197,000. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and location.

Benefits include health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

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Harris Technologies is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.

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Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks where permitted by law. Security clearances may be granted only to U.S. citizens.