Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job ID: 6804B
Date Posted: April 21 2026

At Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) youll lead the structural engineering of advanced electro-optical and infrared (IR) satellite payloads supporting critical national security and space missions. These are real flight systemsyour work ensures hardware survives launch operates in space and delivers mission-critical performance.

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Civil & Commercial Space Division.The selected candidate will own structural performance across the full lifecyclefrom early design and finite element analysis (FEA) through environmental testingworking with a highly technical team developing spaceflight hardware and satellite systems.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science Earth observation heliophysics and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of whats possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

• Lead structural design analysis and verification for satellite payloads space instruments and mechanical systems
• Perform and guide finite element analysis (FEA) using tools such as NX Nastran Femap or similar
• Analyze and validate performance under launch environments (random vibration sine vibration shock)
• Evaluate thermal and cryogenic structural behavior including thermal distortion and material properties
• Conduct modal dynamic and nonlinear analysis of complex aerospace structures
• Support environmental testing and structural verification (vibration testing shock testing etc.)
• Serve as a technical authority in design reviews (PDR CDR) and engineering decision-making

• Aerospace structures & satellite systems: Structural integrity of spaceflight hardware
• Launch survivability: Random vibration shock and dynamic load analysis
• Cryogenic engineering: Structural performance at low temperatures and thermal-structural coupling
• Precision optical systems: Jitter analysis and micro-vibration control for high-stability payloads
• Mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE): Structural design and certification

• Lead FEA and structural analysis for an active satellite or space payload program
• Deliver validated models correlated with test data
• Contribute to major aerospace design reviews (PDR/CDR)
• Improve modeling simulation or structural test processes

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
• 10 years of experience in structural analysis FEA or mechanical engineering for aerospace space or high-performance systems
• Strong experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools (NX Nastran Femap ANSYS or similar)
• Experience with vibration analysis modal analysis and structural dynamics
• Ability to lead complex engineering efforts from analysis through validation
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

• Experience with satellite systems space payloads or optical instruments
• Background in cryogenic systems or thermal-structural analysis
• Expertise in:
  • Fastened joint analysis
  • Jitter / vibro-acoustic analysis
  • Nonlinear FEA (contact large deformation)
  • Adhesive bonding or fracture mechanics
• Familiarity with NASA standards (NASA-STD-5001 GEVS etc.)
• Masters degree or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Active security clearance

• Work on real satellite hardware and spaceflight systems
• High ownership in a deeply technical engineering environment
• Access to advanced test facilities (vibration thermal vacuum etc.)
• Stable long-term aerospace and defense programs
• Located in Logan Utahclose to mountains skiing and outdoor recreation

• $116000 - $205000
  • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role level location market conditions and individual qualifications including job-related skills experience and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidates preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites sensors and instruments ground systems and data processing and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers scientists technicians and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL we strive to uphold a culture of respect collaboration empowerment and accountability. We listen with open minds seek to understand diverse perspectives and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge involving others and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership act with integrity and be accountable. Above all we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions assistance or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program please contact