Specialist, Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst (Space Systems)

About the role

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.

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

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• Selected candidate will need to be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance

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

Benefits

L3Harris offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.