Mechanical Simulation Engineer

FIRST RF•Boulder, CO

1d•$100,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

FIRST RF is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with demonstrated expertise in FEA analysis methods to support the development of advanced RF and antenna systems for defense and aerospace applications. This role focuses on structural, shock, dynamic, and thermal simulation of complex electronic and RF assemblies operating in demanding environments across land, sea, air, and space platforms. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to predict and solve mechanical challenges before hardware is built, helping ensure mission-critical performance and reliability for our customers.

Requirements

Must have U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, electronics packaging, or related industries
Strong experience performing structural, thermal, and vibration simulation on complex assemblies
Proficiency with simulation tools such as Altair (now Siemens) Software Suite (Preferred)
SolidWorks Simulation (Preferred)
MSC Nastran NX Nastran ABAQUS
Experience with electronic packaging for high-reliability environments
Strong understanding of FEA concepts & methodologies
Thermal management techniques
Shock and vibration analysis
High-temperature material options and perfornance
Experience working with MIL-STD-810 and/or DO-160 environmental requirements
Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools, SolidWorks preferred
Extensive knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and GD&T
Experience with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, and composite structures
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary development environment

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Experience supporting DoD or aerospace programs
Experience designing for harsh or high-temperature environments
Familiarity with RF systems, phased arrays, or antenna systems
Experience with test correlation and model validation
Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other technical programming languages
Experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior engineers

Responsibilities

Lead structural, thermal, and dynamic simulations for RF systems and electronic assemblies using a suite of Altair (now Siemens) simulation tools (Hypermesh, Optistruct, RADIOSS, Hyperlife), and SolidWorks Simulation.
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate: Thermal performance and heat dissipation, Thermo-Structural integrity, Shock and vibration survivability, Fatigue/Durability, Environmental requirements under MIL-STD-810 and related conditions
Develop and validate simulation models through correlation with environment, thermal, and vibration test data
Collaborate with RF, mechanical, and electrical, and systems engineers to optimize designs for Weight, Manufacturability, Reliability, Environmental performance, RF compatibility
Support the design and packaging of high-reliability electronic and RF hardware for aerospace and defense applications
Participate in technical and customer design reviews, presenting analysis results, and engineering recommendations
Create and maintain engineering documentation, analysis reports, and test correlation data
Support root-cause investigations and troubleshooting activities during integration and test
Ensure compliance with ITAR, customer requirements, and applicable industry and military standards