Mechanical Engineer - Structural/Thermal

Associates Systems LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Increased compensation for less hours

Flexible working hours

Job summary

A mechanical engineering firm is seeking a part-time Mechanical Engineering Analyst responsible for ensuring the structural integrity and functional reliability of complex mechanical systems. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and possess expertise in finite element analysis. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and effective communication abilities to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders. This position offers flexible hours and increased compensation to offset reduced working hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related.
• Expertise in FEA software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL.
• Strong communication skills for technical results.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and materials science.
• Ability to communicate technical results to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural and thermal analysis using FEA tools.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis for manufacturability.
• Document analysis findings in formal technical reports.
• Perform 1D/2D/3D tolerance stack-up analyses.
• Use FEA to identify weight reduction opportunities and optimize design geometry.
• Document analysis findings in formal technical reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Structural Mechanics

Mathematical Analysis

Technical Communication

Root cause analysis

Technical reporting

Systems integration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Mechanical

SolidWorks

MATLAB

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Analyst

US Citizen or Green Card Holder

Parttime Status - Increased compensation to offset less hours may be available.

As a Mechanical Engineering Analyst, you will be responsible for ensuring the structural integrity, thermal performance, and functional reliability of complex mechanical systems. You will utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and analytical methodologies to validate designs before production, identifying potential failure modes and optimizing performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Structural Analysis (Static & Dynamic): Perform detailed static structural simulations to evaluate stress, strain, and deformation under various operational loads. Execute dynamic analyses, including modal, vibration, and shock testing simulations to assess frequency response and structural resonance.
• Thermal Analysis: Conduct steady-state and transient thermal simulations to evaluate heat transfer, temperature distribution, and thermal-induced stresses in mechanical assemblies.
• Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis: Perform rigorous 1D, 2D, or 3D tolerance stack-up analyses using worst-case and statistical (RSS) methods to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Simulation & Optimization: Utilize FEA tools to identify weight reduction opportunities and optimize design geometry without compromising safety factors or structural performance.
• Failure Prediction: Conduct root cause analysis on equipment failures and provide data-driven recommendations for countermeasures and design modifications.
• Technical Reporting: Document all analysis findings, including assumptions, boundary conditions, and results, in formal technical reports for peer review and customer certification.
• Systems Integration: Interpret mechanical hardware requirement specifications from interfacing systems and analyze concept trade studies by providing mechanical expertise to evaluate design options. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, systems, and quality engineers, to ensure project success.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited university or college.
• Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of FEA software such as ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, or COMSOL Multiphysics. Experience with CAD integration (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) is essential.
• Analytical Foundations: Deep understanding of structural mechanics, multi-body thermodynamics, and material science. Demonstrated experience conducting trade studies for mechanical design optimization.
• Mathematical Proficiency: Strong skills in numerical analysis and computational thinking for complex problem-solving. Competent with basic engineering calculations for stress, thermal, and dynamic analysis.
• Communication: Ability to communicate highly technical analysis results to non-technical stakeholders and cross-functional design teams. Contribute to safety documentation as required.
• Performing other duties as assigned to support project objectives.
• Minimal travel required; occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with sound engineering judgment.
• Highly dependable, self-motivated, and accountable, with the ability to work effectively in a team or independently.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). Must successfully complete a U.S. government background check.

Desired Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-In-Training (EIT) status.
• Proficiency in scripting/automation tools such as Python or MATLAB for data processing.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional (CSWP-S) and experience with SolidWorks PDM.
• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop.
• Experience designing, analyzing, and testing hardware for extreme environments (e.g., space, high-temperature, or high-vibration conditions).
• Familiarity with industry standards for mechanical design, manufacturing, and testing in aerospace or spaceflight applications.