Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Summary: The Mechanical Analysis Engineer role involves supporting structural developments for spacecraft missions within the aerospace sector. This hands-on position requires expertise in structural analysis, environmental testing, and systems engineering to ensure the mechanical integrity of flight hardware. The engineer will collaborate with various teams throughout the product life cycle, from analysis to qualification and launch. The role is based in Guildford and is classified as inside IR35.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform quasi-static and dynamic finite element analyses and produce structural margins of safety using FEA tools and hand calculations.
• Create and refine FE models of spacecraft components and structures using tools such as Nastran, HyperMesh, and Ansys Workbench.
• Select suitable materials and surface treatments for structural components, particularly for metallic and composite materials.
• Support and attend environmental test campaigns, including vibration and static testing - both within the UK and occasionally overseas.
• Validate and correlate analytical models using experimental data from tests to improve accuracy and reliability.
• Develop mechanical environmental envelopes based on launch requirements, analysis, and test data.
• Maintain accurate mass properties, including centre of gravity and moment of inertia estimates.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and analysis documentation.

Key Skills:

• Proven experience in structural analysis in a high-precision, low-volume environment such as aerospace, space, or motorsport.
• Proficiency with structural analysis tools including Nastran, HyperMesh, SmartOffice, Ansys Workbench, and MATLAB.
• Strong hand-stressing and FEA skills, with a sound understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Experience working with both metallic and composite structures.
• Experience in vibration/static testing and thermo-elastic analysis.
• Familiarity with spacecraft systems and structural design constraints in the space environment.
• Competence with 3D CAD systems such as SolidWorks.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, including interaction with project teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (including Outlook).
• Highly detail-oriented, with excellent time management and problem-solving abilities.
• A collaborative team player who thrives under pressure and tight deadlines.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: Guildford

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: on-site

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other