LEAD ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - SPACE INSTRUMENTATION

Who We Are:

The Space Instrumentation Group is composed of mechanical engineers and technicians within the Space Science and Engineering Division at SwRI. The Space Instrumentation Group is responsible for the development of spacecraft instrumentation, avionics and electronics for both government and industry.

Objectives of this Role:

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership on a wide diversity of projects.
• Design, analyze, and develop cutting edge space instrumentation, mechanisms, and spacecraft hardware.
• Work with a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians on world-class space mission hardware development. Participate as part of a team in promotional and proposal activities.
• Mentor junior staff: train and assist team members.
• Write technical reports, papers, proposals and prepare technical presentations for design reviews and conferences.
• Attend and present at conferences or other events to actively promote SwRI business.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Use CAD to design structures and assemblies for space, including sensors, mechanisms, and spacecraft.
• Select appropriate materials and processes to meet design requirements.
• Work with drafting group to create part and assembly drawings.
• Write manufacturing instructions.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses of flight hardware using finite element software and classical techniques.
• Produce high quality engineering reports.
• Develop and supervise environmental screening tests, development tests, and experiments to evaluate parts, assemblies, and processes.
• Supervise and coordinate fabrication of hardware. Interface with suppliers. Manage procurement and fabrication activities.
• Work with technicians to assemble and test subassemblies.
• Participate in design reviews.
• Defend design and analytical work to external reviewers.
• Propose and perform internal research to improve technology and establish competitive advantage. Support promotional and proposal activities.
• Mentor junior engineering staff.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors with a 3.00 GPA in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 5 years: related engineering experience
• Design experience with Computer Aided Design software is required
• Structural analysis experience is required
• Standard office productivity software experience is required
• Thermal analysis experience or desire to learn
• A background or interest in the Space industry
• Ability to productively interface with team members, suppliers and clients
• A valid/clear driver's license is required