Subject Matter Expert: Mechanical/Structural Engineering

Space Dynamics Laboratory•North Logan, UT

About The Position

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Mechanical/Structural Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the structural maturation of world-class electro-optical and infrared (IR) satellite instruments. As the SME, you will serve as the primary technical authority ensuring that high-precision payloads and complex Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) withstand the dual challenges of violent launch dynamics and the extreme thermal gradients of cryogenic operations. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of structural verification, from initial concept modeling to final environmental testing in SDL's state-of-the-art facilities.

Requirements

Minimum of a Master of Science (MS) in mechanical or aerospace engineering
10+ years of progressive experience in structural engineering within the spaceflight/satellite sector, with significant experience in Optical instrument or scientific payload development
Expert-level mastery of Femap with NX Nastran and familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter/NX integration is highly desirable
Deep familiarity with NASA-STD-5020 for the analysis and design of threaded fasteners, including preload relaxation at cryogenic temperatures, joint stiffness, and fatigue
Extensive experience in Random Vibration and modal characterization of complex satellite assemblies and the ability to implement response and force limiting in dynamic testing
Understanding of material behavior at cryogenic temperatures and thermal-structural coupling
Experience in designing, analyzing, and testing adhesive bonded joints
Comprehensive knowledge of NASA-STD-5001 (Factors of Safety) and NASA-STD-5002 (Load Analyses)
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Nice To Haves

PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
15+ years of relevant experience
Active Top Secret security clearance
Extensive experience in the modeling, selection, and characterization of viscoelastic damping materials and isolation systems to protect sensitive payloads from high-frequency disturbances
Proven track record in Jitter/Vibro-acoustic modeling for precision optical systems
Jitter/Vibro-acoustic modeling for precision optical systems
Experience with fracture mechanics and associated analysis and test methods

Responsibilities

Directs high-fidelity Finite Element Analysis (FEA) activities, specifically utilizing Femap with NX Nastran for linear/nonlinear statics, normal modes, buckling, random vibration, and stability assessments
Defines and validates hardware responses to launch environments through Random Vibration, sine-sweep, and mechanical shock analysis, ensuring compliance with NASA-STD-5001 and GSFC-STD-7000 (GEVS); writes and executes structural verification tests
Oversees the structural certification of specialized MGSE, including high-vacuum compatible lifting fixtures and transport containers for sensitive flight optics
Serves as the Lead Structural Reviewer for Program Life Cycle Reviews (PDR, CDR, SIR) and provide expert leadership for Material Review Boards (MRB)
Leads the structural design and analysis of opto-mechanical sensor assemblies operating at deep cryogenic temperatures (<20K); accounts for differential thermal contraction and temperature-dependent material properties in high-precision optomechanical benches
Executes integrated modeling and Jitter Analysis to predict and mitigate micro-vibration transmission from cryocoolers and spacecraft bus components, ensuring sub-arcsecond pointing stability for optical payloads
Performs complex nonlinear modeling (geometric, material, and contact) for deployable radiators, thermal shields, and kinematic mounts used in cryogenic vacuum environments