Lead Mechanical Engineer (Analyst)

The Lead Mechanical Engineering (Analyst) is responsible for directing and executing structural, thermal, and opto-mechanical analyses in support of the development of high-performance opto-mechanical systems, such as telescopes, beam directors, and related instruments and subsystems.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

This role spans the development of precision structures, mechanisms, and optical support assemblies for platforms ranging from terrestrial to spaceborne.

The analyst performs detailed stress, thermal, and dynamic assessments using both closed-form methods as well as advanced finite element techniques, and leads the characterization of optical performance in demanding thermal and vibrational environments.

Responsibilities include ensuring system survivability, alignment, and optical performance under operational and survival loads, preparing comprehensive analysis reports, developing structural test requirements, and supporting environmental testing campaigns-including dynamic and thermal verification-to validate analytical predictions and confirm compliance with system requirements.


* Perform and lead detailed structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses of opto-mechanical systems


* Develop and validate finite element models for stress, steady state and transient thermal, modal, random vibration, and shock analyses (Femap with NX/Nastran and/or SimCenter 3D preferred)


* Use closed-form methods to provide quick-turn assessments and to validate FEA results


* Characterize operational and survival loads (thermal cycles, random/sine, shock, launch, wind, seismic), predict system response, assess structural integrity and stability


* Conduct STOP analysis to characterize optical performance (e.g., wavefront error, line-of-sight jitter, alignment stability); experience with preparing results for processing with optical analysis software such as Code V or Zemax using Sigfit or Matlab preferred.


* Prepare and deliver analysis reports and design review documentation (PDR, CDR)


* Develop structural and thermal test requirements to validate analytical predictions


* Support environmental testing campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum) including test planning, data correlation, and anomaly resolution


* Contribute to risk assessments and design trades, recommending design modifications based on analysis outcomes


* Collaborate closely with design engineers, optical engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to ensure requirements compliance


* Mentor less experienced engineers in analysis tools, methods, and best practices

Education & Experience


* Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

An understanding of precision mechanism design and/or opto-mechanical design principles, as well as hands-on hardware assembly, integration, and testing are essential.


* Minimum 7 years of related experience in a professional role with a bachelor's degree in O...