Structural Engineer

About the RoleWe build high-performance optical payloads for satellites. We are looking for a junior opto-mechanical engineer with a strong grounding in structural simulation to join our payload team. You will analyse how launch loads and on-orbit thermal environments affect optical performance, and work with the design, optics, and AIT teams to make sure our payloads meet their requirements from design through qualification.Key Responsibilities

• Build and run FE models of optical assemblies (mirrors, lens mounts, metering structures, baffles, and mounting interfaces) using ANSYS, Nastran/Patran, or Abaqus
• Run static, modal, random vibration, sine, and shock analyses against launch environment specifications
• Perform thermo-elastic and steady-state/transient thermal-structural analyses to predict distortion and defocus over the operating temperature range
• Support STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance) analysis
• Size and assess flexures, bonded joints, fasteners, and kinematic mounts, and estimate stresses, margins of safety, and stiffness
• Support trade studies on materials and structures (Invar, aluminium, titanium, CFRP, SiC, Zerodur, fused silica)
• Correlate models with test data (modal survey, vibration, thermal-vacuum) and update models accordingly
• Work with mechanical design, manufacturing, and vendors to keep designs producible and analysis-consistent
• Maintain clear documentation, model version control, and traceability to requirements

Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related discipline
• 1-3 years of hands-on experience in structural FEA (industry, research, or a substantial project or internship)
• Working knowledge of at least one major FEA tool (ANSYS Mechanical, or equivalent)
• Solid fundamentals in strength of materials, vibration, and heat transfer
• Understanding of GD&T and precision manufacturing constraints
• Comfort with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, or similar) and preparing geometry for meshing and simplification
• Ability to interpret results critically, including mesh convergence, boundary conditions, and sanity checks against hand calculations
• Clear technical writing and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to optical or precision structures such as mirror mounts, lens barrels, telescopes, or camera assemblies
• Basic understanding of optical systems and how structural deformation affects image quality
• Familiarity with composites (CFRP laminates), bonded joints, or low-CTE materials
• Experience with space, aerospace, defense, UAV environmental standards and test campaigns

What You'll Gain

• Direct involvement in flight optical payload programs.
• Close mentorship from senior engineers and program leads
• Broad exposure across structures, thermal, optics, and manufacturing
• Room to grow into a lead analysis or opto-mechanical design role