Job ID: 6804B
Date Posted: April 21, 2026
At Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), you'll lead the structural engineering of advanced electro-optical and infrared (IR) satellite payloads supporting critical national security and space missions. These are real flight systems-your work ensures hardware survives launch, operates in space, and delivers mission-critical performance.
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Civil & Commercial Space Division. The selected candidate will own structural performance across the full lifecycle-from early design and finite element analysis (FEA) through environmental testing-working with a highly technical team developing spaceflight hardware and satellite systems.
The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.
What you'll do
Lead structural design, analysis, and verification for satellite payloads, space instruments, and mechanical systems
Perform and guide finite element analysis (FEA) using tools such as NX Nastran, Femap, or similar
Analyze and validate performance under launch environments (random vibration, sine vibration, shock)
Evaluate thermal and cryogenic structural behavior, including thermal distortion and material properties
Conduct modal, dynamic, and nonlinear analysis of complex aerospace structures
Support environmental testing and structural verification (vibration testing, shock testing, etc.)
Serve as a technical authority in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and engineering decision-making
Key areas of impact
Aerospace structures & satellite systems: Structural integrity of spaceflight hardware
Launch survivability: Random vibration, shock, and dynamic load analysis
Cryogenic engineering: Structural performance at low temperatures and thermal-structural coupling
Precision optical systems: Jitter analysis and micro-vibration control for high-stability payloads
Mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE): Structural design and certification
What success looks like (first 6-12 months)
Lead FEA and structural analysis for an active satellite or space payload program
Deliver validated models correlated with test data
Contribute to major aerospace design reviews (PDR/CDR)
Improve modeling, simulation, or structural test processes
What you bring (required)
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
~10+ years of experience in structural analysis, FEA, or mechanical engineering for aerospace, space, or high-performance systems
Strong experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools (NX Nastran, Femap, ANSYS, or similar)
Experience with vibration analysis, modal analysis, and structural dynamics
Ability to lead complex engineering efforts from analysis through validation
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Experience that will set you apart (preferred)
Experience with satellite systems, space payloads, or optical instruments
Background in cryogenic systems or thermal-structural analysis
Expertise in:
Fastened joint analysis
Jitter / vibro-acoustic analysis
Nonlinear FEA (contact, large deformation)
Adhesive bonding or fracture mechanics
Familiarity with NASA standards (NASA-STD-5001, GEVS, etc.)
Master's degree or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Active security clearance
Why this role stands out
Work on real satellite hardware and spaceflight systems
High ownership in a deeply technical engineering environment
Access to advanced test facilities (vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.)
Stable, long-term aerospace and defense programs
Located in Logan, Utah-close to mountains, skiing, and outdoor recreation
*Salary Range
$116,000 - $205,000
Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page (https://www.sdl.usu.edu/careers/benefits/) to learn more about what we offer.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
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