Mechanical Simulation Engineer

FIRST RF; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks PTO/year

Hybrid work model

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match up to 6%

Health, dental, vision

Job summary

FIRST RF is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with expertise in FEA methods to advance RF and antenna systems for defense and aerospace. The role emphasizes structural, thermal, dynamic, and environmental simulations for rugged environments across land, sea, air, and space platforms.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to predict mechanical challenges before hardware builds, ensuring mission-critical performance and reliability for customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience in aerospace/defense/electronics packaging.
• Experience performing structural, thermal, and vibration simulation on complex assemblies.
• Proficiency with simulation tools: Altair/Siemens, SolidWorks, MSC Nastran, NX Nastran, ABAQUS.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural, thermal, and dynamic simulations for RF systems and electronic assemblies.
• Perform FEA to evaluate thermal performance, structural integrity, shock and vibration survivability, fatigue/durability.
• Develop and validate simulation models with test data.
• Collaborate with RF, mechanical, electrical and systems engineers to optimize designs.
• Support design and packaging of high-reliability electronics for aerospace/defense.
• Participate in technical and customer design reviews and present results.
• Create and maintain engineering docs, analysis reports and test correlation data.
• Support root-cause investigations during integration and test.
• Ensure ITAR compliance and adherence to MIL-STD-810/DO-160.

Skills

FEA concepts & methodologies

Thermal management

Shock & vibration

ASME Y14.5 / GD&T

SolidWorks

NX Nastran

MSC Nastran

ABAQUS

Altiar/Siemens tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks Simulation

MSC Nastran

NX Nastran

ABAQUS

Job description

Brief Description

FIRST RF is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with demonstrated expertise in FEA analysis methods to support the development of advanced RF and antenna systems for defense and aerospace applications. This role focuses on structural, shock, dynamic, and thermal simulation of complex electronic and RF assemblies operating in demanding environments across land, sea, air, and space platforms.

Brief Description

FIRST RF is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with demonstrated expertise in FEA analysis methods to support the development of advanced RF and antenna systems for defense and aerospace applications. This role focuses on structural, shock, dynamic, and thermal simulation of complex electronic and RF assemblies operating in demanding environments across land, sea, air, and space platforms.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to predict and solve mechanical challenges before hardware is built, helping ensure mission-critical performance and reliability for our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural, thermal, and dynamic simulations for RF systems and electronic assemblies using a suite of Altair (now Siemens) simulation tools (Hypermesh, Optistruct, RADIOSS, Hyperlife), and SolidWorks Simulation.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate
  • Thermal performance and heat dissipation
  • Thermo-Structural integrity
  • Shock and vibration survivability
  • Fatigue/Durability
  • Environmental requirements under MIL-STD-810 and related conditions
• Develop and validate simulation models through correlation with environment, thermal, and vibration test data
• Collaborate with RF, mechanical, and electrical, and systems engineers to optimize designs for
  • Weight
  • Manufacturability
  • Reliability
  • Environmental performance
  • RF compatibility
• Support the design and packaging of high-reliability electronic and RF hardware for aerospace and defense applications
• Participate in technical and customer design reviews, presenting analysis results, and engineering recommendations
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, analysis reports, and test correlation data
• Support root-cause investigations and troubleshooting activities during integration and test
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, customer requirements, and applicable industry and military standards

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Must have U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, electronics packaging, or related industries
• Strong experience performing structural, thermal, and vibration simulation on complex assemblies
• Proficiency with simulation tools such as
  • Altair (now Siemens) Software Suite (Preferred)
  • SolidWorks Simulation (Preferred)
  • MSC Nastran
  • NX Nastran
  • ABAQUS
• Experience with electronic packaging for high-reliability environments
• Strong understanding of
  • FEA concepts & methodologies
  • Thermal management techniques
  • Shock and vibration analysis
  • High-temperature material options and performance
• Experience working with MIL-STD-810 and/or DO-160 environmental requirements
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools, SolidWorks preferred
• Extensive knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and GD&T
• Experience with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, and composite structures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary development environment

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Experience supporting DoD or aerospace programs
• Experience designing for harsh or high-temperature environments
• Familiarity with RF systems, phased arrays, or antenna systems
• Experience with test correlation and model validation
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other technical programming languages
• Experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior engineers

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Typical office hours include Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm; however, these hours may vary based on workload and the manager’s discretion.

Travel

About 10% travel is expected for this position as required for testing, customer interaction, or program support.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. The employee will also regularly be seated at a desk and using a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About FIRST RF

FIRST RF is a fast-growing, multi-discipline, privately owned small business focused on engineering and manufacturing of advanced technologies - specifically in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems. We are an energetic team empowered with world-class facilities and resources. We promote a culture which prioritizes innovation and responsiveness. By making bold investments in the development of groundbreaking technologies, FIRST RF has fielded award-winning products ranging from revolutionary passive antennas to highly complex, active antenna systems.

Benefits Summary

We offer all employees four weeks of PTO each year, flexible scheduling, hybrid work, tuition reimbursement, up to 6% 401(k) match, and healthcare, dental, and vision plans.

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, assignment, re-assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, and termination. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We support protected veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.