Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mantis Space; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Mantis Space is seeking a senior structural engineer to design, build, and test flight hardware for space missions, including precise optomechanical payloads. You will perform FEA/multiphysics simulations, manage large assemblies in SolidWorks PDM, and collaborate across ME, optical, and controls teams to ensure mission success.

Ideal candidates hold an MS in Structural Engineering or related field, with 12+ years in space hardware design, experience in GD&T, BOMs, and tolerance budgets, and

Qualifications

• 12+ years designing, building, testing flight hardware in space industry.
• Mastery of Finite Element Analysis methods and multiphysics simulation.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks design and large assembly management.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ME, optical, system and controls engineers to meet system requirements.
• Experience with actuator selection and vibration/launch considerations for space payloads.

Skills

12+ years experience

FEA methods

Multiphysics simulation

SolidWorks design

PLM/EPDM

Optomechanical instrument design

Drawings/GD&T/BOMs

Communication & coordination

MS in Structural Engineering

FEA proficiency

Pointing mechanism design

Actuator selection/structural material

Education

MS in Structural Engineering or related

Tools

FEMAP

ANSYS

NASTRAN

SolidWorks PDM / PLM

Job description

• 12+ years of experience designing, building, and testing flight hardware in the space industry, with multiple programs through on-orbit operations.
• Mastery of Finite Element Analysis methods. Experience with Multiphysics simulation. (FEMAP, ANSYS, NASTRAN)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks design and large assembly management in SolidWorks PDM, or similar PLM
• Optomechanical instrument or payload design experience
• Skill with producing drawings, GD&T, BOMs, FAIs, tolerance budgets, and mass budgets
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coordination skills
• M.S. or higher in Structural Engineering or related field
• Desired FEA skills and specialty Qualifications
• Quantitative design of pointing mechanisms for precision pointing in space environment of vibration, temperature variation and radiation.
• FEA analysis concurrent with design to verify LOS stability over environment. Quick FEA analysis to support quantitative design trades.
• FEA export of transfer functions to support controls analysis.
• Collaboration with other ME, optical, system and controls engineers to meet system requirements.
• Experience with selection of actuators (motors, voice coil, piezo), structural materials, sensors to support system objectives.
• Experience with bearing selection, launch lock and passive vibration suppression for space payloads.

What You Bring

• 12+ years of experience designing, building, and testing flight hardware in the space industry, with multiple programs through on-orbit operations.
• Mastery of Finite Element Analysis methods. Experience with Multiphysics simulation. (FEMAP, ANSYS, NASTRAN)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks design and large assembly management in SolidWorks PDM, or similar PLM
• Optomechanical instrument or payload design experience
• Skill with producing drawings, GD&T, BOMs, FAIs, tolerance budgets, and mass budgets
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coordination skills
• M.S. or higher in Structural Engineering or related field
• Desired FEA skills and specialty Qualifications
• Quantitative design of pointing mechanisms for precision pointing in space environment of vibration, temperature variation and radiation.
• FEA analysis concurrent with design to verify LOS stability over environment. Quick FEA analysis to support quantitative design trades.
• FEA export of transfer functions to support controls analysis.
• Collaboration with other ME, optical, system and controls engineers to meet system requirements.
• Experience with selection of actuators (motors, voice coil, piezo), structural materials, sensors to support system objectives.
• Experience with bearing selection, launch lock and passive vibration suppression for space payloads.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mantis Space is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and focused on professional excellence. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We value a wide range of experiences and perspectives and believe they contribute to strong teams and effective problem-solving. We encourage qualified individuals to apply regardless of background. Mantis Space is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation or assistance at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.