Job Information
USU RESEARCH FOUNDATION Structural Mechanical Engineer in NORTH LOGAN, Utah
Job ID: 6749A
Date Posted: April 13, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to perform detailed design and analysis of space hardware and subsystems with our Strategic and Military Space Division. The successful candidate will be able to immediately begin work on new projects, establish and document requirements, and work closely with small and large engineering teams to turn ideas into working hardware. The nature of the work is rewarding, and employees feel a sense of accomplishment from working on projects from concept through design, implementation, test, and delivery.
The Strategic and Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Performs mechanical design and analysis of optical payloads and spacecraft designs
Works with machine shop and vendors for hardware fabrication
Performs laboratory prototyping, assembly, and testing
Communicates effectively through written reports and presentations
Leads, mentors, and collaborates with other engineers, both internally and externally
Manages schedule and tasking to meet and exceed expectations
Develops and presents at design reviews
Supports and collaborates with program management, analysis, procurement, and manufacturing teams
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in applicable technical field (e.g., mechanical engineering)
5+ years of relevant experience
Proficient in the use of computer-aided design tools (NX preferred)
Ability to perform first order layout and mass properties analyses
Ability to perform structural and dynamic analyses to support the mechanical design evolution of spacecraft and components (FEMAP/Hypermesh/NASTRAN preferred)
Experience designing and executing structural tests for spacecraftand components
Experience supporting structural qualification testing on spacecraft systems and components including test design, test conduct, and interface equipment for unit under test
Experience developing and documenting required design processes
Experience writing technical plans and procedures
Track record of successfully working with and collaborating with teams of engineers
Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds, including building presentation slides
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Must be able to travel on a regular basis and work off-site for extended periods of time
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in mechanical engineering
10-15 years of relevant experience
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Experience designing for space environment
Experience in mechanical design of optical instruments, thermal vacuum cryogenic tests
Ability to work in a laboratory environment with precision optical elements and instruments
Mechanism experience (flexures, motors, dampers, hinges, deployment, etc.)
Experience in thermal and structural/dynamics analysis
Experience in opto-mechanical design of optical instruments
Experience with Structural/Thermal/Optical/Performance (STOP) analysis
Experience with composite build and analysis
Experience with bolted joint analysis using NASA-STD-5020 methods
Experience in random vibration and modal characterization of complex satellite assemblies
*S alary Range
$91,500 - $175,500
Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience
This range serves... For full info follow application link.
EOE including Disabil ty and Vet