Lead, Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst (Space Systems)

L3Harris•Rochester, NY

16d

About The Position

Lead structural analysis of complex space systems, including optomechanical assemblies, precision structures, mechanisms, and electronic packaging. This expert-level role requires mastery of sophisticated analysis techniques, technical leadership across programs, mentoring of junior staff, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure structural integrity and system performance from concept through flight. The position is based in Rochester, New York, and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants. The selected candidate must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. The Lead Structural Analyst develops analysis strategies and plans, leads finite element modeling, validates approaches using test data and hand calculations, and serves as a technical authority for structural analysis methods. The role covers structural strength and stability, modal characteristics and dynamic response, vibroacoustic environments, thermoelastic response and STOP analysis, optomechanical performance, and fatigue and fracture assessments. The position provides technical mentorship, leads reviews and design optimization efforts, and prepares reports and presentations for internal and customer use. The analyst serves as a structural analysis lead or subject matter expert on major programs and contributes throughout the development cycle, including requirements definition, design trades, design, component selection, and integration and test. Responsibilities also include manufacturing support, risk mitigation, proposal development, and technical planning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or science discipline and at least 9 years of relevant experience; or a graduate degree and at least 7 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, at least 13 years of relevant experience.
At least 3 years of experience working on aerospace programs.
At least 3 years of experience with Nastran.
Professional experience performing structural analysis of aerospace systems.
Experience with NASA or DoD structural design standards and requirements.
Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance.
Experience with commercial pre/post processors, with Femap or Patran preferred.
Experience with optomechanical systems and precision structures.
Experience with composite structure design and analysis.
Experience with advanced dynamic analysis and test correlation.
Experience with fracture and damage tolerance analysis.
Experience with jitter or microvibration analysis.
Experience with electronic packaging analysis.
Experience with on-orbit thermoelastic (STOP) analysis.
Programming or scripting experience with MATLAB, Python, or 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.

Responsibilities

Lead 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 for complex space structures, including composite, metallic, and glass materials.
Validate analysis approaches through correlation with test data and hand calculations.
Serve as a technical authority for structural analysis methods and best practices.
Perform and review analyses of 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, and fatigue and 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 with design engineers, systems engineering, and test organizations.
Serve as structural analysis lead or subject matter expert on major programs.
Contribute to requirements definition, concept trades, preliminary and final design, component selection, and integration and test support.
Support manufacturing operations and provide technical guidance.
Lead risk identification and mitigation activities.
Support proposal development and technical planning.