Job ID: 6804
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

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.

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 & 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 & 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

• Education: Minimum of a Master of Science (MS) in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Professional Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in structural engineering within the spaceflight/satellite sector, with significant experience in Optical instrument or scientific payload development
• Software Proficiency: Expert-level mastery of Femap with NX Nastran and familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter/NX integration is highly desirable
• Specialized Expertise:
  • Fastened Joint Analysis: Deep familiarity with NASA-STD-5020 for 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 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

• PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• 15+ years of relevant experience
• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Specialized Expertise:
  • Viscoelastic Vibration Isolators: Extensive experience in the modeling, selection, and characterization of viscoelastic damping materials and isolation systems to protect sensitive payloads from high-frequency disturbances
  • Precision Modeling: 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

• $140,000 - $205,000
  • Salary commensurate based 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 candidate’s 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 employment@sdl.usu.edu.