Scientist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Structures)

L3Harris Technologies; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, FL is seeking a senior Mechanical Engineer specialized in space structures to lead structural analysis for proposals, hardware testing, and design assessments across aerospace programs.

The role emphasizes FE(A) and nonlinear simulations, coordination with cross-functional teams, and mentoring engineers while aligning with program milestones and security clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with structural analysis methods (FEA and hand calculations).
• Experience with linear and nonlinear simulations in aerospace.
• Knowledge of vibration, deployment, and testing environments.
• Experience with data/analysis reporting and Basis of Estimate (BOE).

Responsibilities

• Develop structural analysis content and BOE inputs for bids and proposals.
• Interface with suppliers and other engineering disciplines to drive designs to closure.
• Support analysis for active programs including vibration testing and deployment simulations.
• Perform linear and nonlinear finite element analyses to evaluate structures.
• Mentor others and contribute to program milestones (PDR/CDR).

Skills

FEA

Python

Nastran

Matlab

Vibration Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Femap

Nastran

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Scientist, Mechanical Engineering (Space Structures)

Job Code: 45584

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description

L3Harris has an opportunity for a senior level Structural Analysis Engineer to join our talented organization. In this role, the lead engineer will support new business pursuits, active program execution, and engineering team development. This role is responsible for delivering structural analysis solutions that support proposal efforts, hardware testing, design assessments, and program decision-making across advanced aerospace and space systems.

Essential Functions

• Develop structural analysis technical content and Basis of Estimate (BOE) inputs for new business bids and proposals.
• Interfaces with outside suppliers/customers and other engineering disciplines to drive designs to closure (Thermal, Systems Engineering, Electrical, Manufacturing, Integration and Testing, Quality, Configuration Management).
• Support structural analysis for active programs, including vibration testing, deployment simulation, and detailed component assessments.
• Perform linear and nonlinear finite element analysis to evaluate structural integrity, launch environments, operational loads, and repair or reinforcement options.
• Generate analysis products that support hardware dispositions, risk assessments, and engineering decision-making.
• Provide technical oversight and analysis support for programs at key development milestones, including PDR and CDR closure activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, loads, environments, and analysis approaches.
• Improve analysis efficiency through the use of scripting, automation, and standardized methods where applicable.
• Mentor others and reinforce engineering fundamentals.
• Improve analysis efficiency through the use of scripting, automation, and standardized methods where applicable.
• Ability to satisfy requirements for a TS/SCI (SSBI) security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience with structural analysis methods (FEA and hand-calculations), and experience with FEA and Pre/Post Processor software (preferably Femap with Nastran)
• 5+ years experience in structural analysis for aerospace, spacecraft, or mechanical systems, including linear and nonlinear simulation.
• Professional experience with vibration, shock, fatigue, deployment, and structural testing environments.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Active TS/SCI Clearance is preferred
• Knowledge of system level hardware design & development, mechanical and structural analysis, payload level integration & test, and risk mitigation for space-based environments.
• manufacturing operations for fabrication in a program team environment.
• Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplined team environment
• Experience as a lead engineer, project engineer, or IPT lead is a plus.
• Experience with computational programming such as Matlab or Python.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, English or Spanish.