LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Instrument Mechanical Engineer - Boulder, CO

Southwest Research Institute; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 118,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute's Solar System Science & Exploration Division seeks a senior Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and test space instruments, prototypes, and proposals. You will produce CAD models, layouts, BOMs, and test procedures for instrument development and mission proposals.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 10–15+ years in spaceflight instrument design and analysis, and proficiency in CREO, SolidWorks, ANSYS, NASTRAN, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; directly related experience.
• 10–15+ years in spaceflight instrument design and analysis; proficiency in CREO, SolidWorks, ANSYS, NASTRAN, Thermal Desktop.
• 10–15+ years in spaceflight component testing and verification.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Produce complex mechanical designs for space instruments, prototypes, and proposals including CAD models, drawings, and test procedures.
• Develop integration and test plans, analyze test data to verify instrument performance.
• Lead hands-on work with spaceflight optical instrument build, integration and testing.
• Provide mentoring and leadership to early career engineers.

Skills

Mechanical design

Spaceflight experience

CAD software

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Eng

Tools

CREO

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Who We Are

As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we work to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe. The Solar System Science & Exploration Division of Southwest Research Institute pushes the boundaries of space exploration, solar physics, and mission operations. Our experts lead groundbreaking research, develop cutting-edge instruments, and operate space missions that expand our understanding of the universe.

Who We Are

As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we work to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe. The Solar System Science & Exploration Division of Southwest Research Institute pushes the boundaries of space exploration, solar physics, and mission operations. Our experts lead groundbreaking research, develop cutting-edge instruments, and operate space missions that expand our understanding of the universe.

Objectives of this Role

• Produce complex Mechanical Engineering designs and analysis in support of space instrument development, prototype development and proposal efforts.
• Experience in space instrument structures, optics, thermal, and or mechanism design.
• Produce mechanical designs using CAD software including layouts, drawings, bill of material development, mass properties management, integration and test plans, procedure development, verification and test plans.
• Perform mechanical analysis including structural analysis, mechanism analysis, and/or orbital thermal analysis.
• Lead and support Assembly Integration and Test activities including production paperwork, non-conformance management and disposition.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Develop complex mechanical designs for instruments, prototype development, and proposals including production of CAD models, drawings, and test procedures.
• Develop integration and test plans, analyze test data to verify instrument performance.
• Lead and advise on direct hands‑on work with spaceflight optical instrument build, integration and testing.
• Provide mentoring, training and leadership to early career engineers.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related Engineering degree field with directly related experience.
• 10 - 15+ years: Spaceflight instrument design and analysis. Proficient in one or more of the following: CREO, Solid Works, ANSYS, NASTRAN, and Thermal Desktop.
• 10 - 15+ years: Spaceflight component testing and verification.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements

Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado. Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section. Job Locations: Boulder, Colorado Salary Range: $117,894.00 - $220,126.00