Sr. Structural Analysis & Test Engineer

Primary Responsibility: Provide Lead Structural Engineering support of spaceflight hardware programs and proposals.

Specific Duties:
Provide lead support in the conduct of component, subsystem and system static and dynamic finite element analysis, kinematic analysis, static and dynamic load testing.
Provide structural engineering leadership as part of the mechanical team supporting all functions related to the design, fabrication, test and integration of flight and ground support hardware for Space Department missions.
Define/generate structural and mechanical test requirements, evaluate structural designs and design concepts, evaluate mass properties, and work with system and subsystem lead engineers in the design of ground and flight hardware.
Assist in developing budgets, staffing, resource management, test and development schedules.
Conduct finite element structural and dynamic analysis of spacecraft systems, instruments and components as required.
Perform hand calculations for stress, vibration and dynamics analysis.
Develop MathCad, MatLab and Excel spreadsheets in support of structural and dynamic analyses of systems and components.
Support hardware integration, component and sub-system flight and non-flight vibration, shock, acoustic, static load and deployment testing.
Develop and implement system level test plans and procedures.
Lead system level sine, random and acoustic vibration testing, shock testing, mass properties and spin balance testing. Correlate test results with analytical predictions.
Interact with other program personnel in development efforts. Support status meetings and both informal/formal program reviews.
Develop and present presentation materials at program status reviews.
Interface other contractors and fabrication personnel in the development of flight and mechanical ground support hardware.
Work as a member of a proposal team, made up of diverse engineering specialties, in the generation of spaceflight proposals for various sponsors. Participate in or initiate smaller proposals and technology development projects to support future space mission needs.
Travel and support program level meetings and reviews off site.
REQUIREMENTS
Required:
BS in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
Minimum 7 years of experience on aerospace projects.
Must be able to work well as a member of a team: good communication/interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of structural design, materials selection, and interest in the design, analysis and test of space mechanical systems.
Work as a hands-on member of the mechanical team supporting all functions related to the design and test of flight and ground support hardware for Space Department missions.
Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
Candidate must show a high level of initiative and problem solving skill.

Desired: MS or PHD in Mechanical Engineering preferred. Demonstrated lead structural engineering responsibilities for the duration of at least one significant space related project. Experience in the use of the FEMAP pre and post processor software and NASTRAN and/or ABAQUS analysis software is highly desirable. Experience in the use of kinematic analysis software such as Visual NASTRAN 4D and AutoSEA acoustic analysis is also desirable. Candidates with aerospace-related experience in the areas of controls-structures interaction of spacecraft systems and/or robotics, non-linear analyses, and/or analysis of inflatable or advanced composite structures are highly desirable and will be given the highest consideration based on the relevance of the experience.

Special Working Conditions: Some travel will be required. Overtime support of spaceflight hardware missions and proposals as required. Some work in clean rooms required. Some level of mobility required due to spacecraft assembly/integration efforts and work in a multi-level building.

APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including a liberal vacation plan, a matching retirement program, significant educational assistance, a scholarship tuition program for staff with dependents, and competitive salaries commensurate with skills and experience. For more information about our organization, please visit our web site at http://www.jhuapl.edu/employment/benefits/benefits.html

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a national leader in scientific research and development, located midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as well as other applicable laws, and values diversity in its workforce.

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