Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer - Space Dynamics Laboratory

Job ID: 22372

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to perform detailed design and analysis of space hardware and subsystems. The successful candidate will be able to immediately begin work on new projects, establish and document requirements, and work closely with small and large engineering teams to turn ideas into working hardware. The nature of the work is rewarding, and employees feel a sense of accomplishment from working on projects from concept through design, implementation, test, and delivery.

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s aim to protect our nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we take pride in and highly value our employees. SDL offers competitive salaries and fantastic benefits, including:

• Flexible work schedules that fit your style—every Friday off, every other Friday off, hybrid remote work, or simply traditional hours
• Generous paid leisure and sick leave, ensuring you never miss a special event
• Favorable company locations with average commute times of less than 15 minutes
• High-quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
• A 14.2% employer retirement contribution into a 401(a) account—no matching required!
• Utah State University undergraduate tuition discounts of 50%, full reimbursement for graduate tuition, and free course audits for employees and dependents meeting eligibility requirements
• A great, highly educated team that works together to solve some of the most fascinating problems on (and off) our planet
• We are a growing company that maintains both a family feel and high retention rate with over 90% job satisfaction
• Relocation assistance available for most positions

• Creates mechanical design
• Performs mechanical analysis
• Performs detailed tolerance analysis
• Works with machine shop and vendors for hardware fabrication
• Laboratory prototyping, assembly, and testing
• Communicates effectively through written reports and presentations

• MS in applicable technical field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering)
• 1 year experience with optomechanical systems and optical alignment
• Familiarity with optical alignment tools such as precision actuators and autocollimators
• Proficiency in the use of computer-aided analysis tools (FEMAP for pre- and post-processing of finite element models; knowledge of NASTRAN for structural analysis)
• Proficiency in the use of computer-aided design tools (Solid Edge preferred)
• Demonstrated proficiency with GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and providing mechanical tolerance analysis
• Understanding of industry specifications, fabrication techniques, and processes
• Attention to ISO Quality Assurance standards and other relevant documentation standards
• Experience writing technical plans and procedures
• Ability to manage vendors or sub-contractors including creating specifications and statement of work (SOW)
• Track record of successfully working with and collaborating with teams of engineers
• Ability to communicate clearly with personnel of varying technical and professional backgrounds including building presentation slides
• Ability to generate, plan, schedule, and coordinate fabrication of materials, parts, and assemblies through the fabrication cycle according to due dates to meet contractual requirements and program goals
• Must have or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance
• Must be a US citizen
• Must be able to travel on a regular basis and work off-site for extended periods of time

• Experience designing for space environment
• Experience in mechanical design of optical instruments, thermal vacuum cryogenic tests
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment with precision optical elements and instruments
• Experience in thermal and structural/dynamics analysis
• Experience in opto-mechanical design of optical instruments
• Proficiency in the use of Thermal Desktop for thermal analysis

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

EOE including Disability and Vet

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