Job Information
USU RESEARCH FOUNDATION Senior Mechanical Engineer in NORTH LOGAN, Utah
Job ID: 6804
Date Posted: March 19, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead structural engineering of world-class electro-optical and infrared (IR) satellite instruments. You will serve as a 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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Analysis Mastery: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
Dynamics and Environmental Verification: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
GSE Stewardship:Oversees the structural certification of specialized MGSE, including high-vacuum compatible lifting fixtures and transport containers for sensitive flight optics
Technical Governance:Serves as the Lead Structural Reviewer for Program Life Cycle Reviews (PDR, CDR, SIR) and provide expert leadership for Material Review Boards (MRB)
Cryogenic Structural Integrity: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
Precision Stability and Jitter: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
Nonlinear Analysis:Performs complex nonlinear modeling (geometric, material, and contact) for deployable radiators, thermal shields, and kinematic mounts used in cryogenic vacuum environments
Required Qualifications:
Education:Minimum of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Professional Experience:10+ years of progressive experience in structural engineering within the spaceflight/satellite sector, with significant experience inOptical instrumentorscientific payloaddevelopment
Software Proficiency:Expert-level mastery ofFemap with NX Nastranand familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter/NX integration is highly desirable
Specialized Expertise:
Fastened Joint Analysis:Deep familiarity withNASA-STD-5020for the analysis and design of threaded fasteners, including preload relaxation at cryogenic temperatures, joint stiffness, and fatigue
Dynamics:Extensive experience in Random Vibration and modal characterization of complex satellite assemblies and the ability to implement response and force limiting in dynamic testing
Cryogenics:Understanding of material behavior at cryogenic temperatures and thermal-structural coupling
Adhesive Bonding:Experience in designing, analyzing, and testing adhesive bonded joints
Standards Proficiency:Comprehensive knowledge ofNASA-STD-5001(Factors of Safety) andNASA-STD-5002(Load Analyses)
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
MS or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
15+ years of relevant experience
Active Top Secret security clearance
Specialized Expertise:
Viscoelastic Vibration.. . For full info follow application link.
EOE including Disability and Vet