Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Mechanical Analysis Engineer | Initial 12 month Contract (likely to renew) | Guildford | On-Site | Inside IR35
 
Our client, a leader in the Space & Satellite sector, is seeking a dynamic and motivated Mechanical Analyst to support structural developments for current and future spacecraft missions. This is a hands-on role combining structural analysis, environmental testing, and systems engineering to ensure the mechanical integrity of flight hardware and sub-systems.
 
You’ll be part of our Structure and Propulsion team, working closely with project managers, design engineers, systems engineers, and principal engineers throughout the product lifecycle — from analysis to qualification and launch.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
• Perform quasi-static and dynamic finite element analyses and produce structural margins of safety using FEA tools and hand calculations.
• Create and refine FE models of spacecraft components and structures using tools such as Nastran, HyperMesh, and Ansys Workbench.
• Select suitable materials and surface treatments for structural components, particularly for metallic and composite materials.
• Support and attend environmental test campaigns, including vibration and static testing — both within the UK and occasionally overseas.
• Validate and correlate analytical models using experimental data from tests to improve accuracy and reliability.
• Develop mechanical environmental envelopes based on launch requirements, analysis, and test data.
• Maintain accurate mass properties, including centre of gravity and moment of inertia estimates.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and analysis documentation.
 
What We’re Looking For:
 
• Proven experience in structural analysis in a high-precision, low-volume environment such as aerospace, space, or motorsport.
• Proficiency with structural analysis tools including Nastran, HyperMesh, SmartOffice, Ansys Workbench, and MATLAB.
• Strong hand-stressing and FEA skills, with a sound understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Experience working with both metallic and composite structures.
• Experience in vibration/static testing and thermo-elastic analysis.
• Familiarity with spacecraft systems and structural design constraints in the space environment.
• Competence with 3D CAD systems such as SolidWorks.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, including interaction with project teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (including Outlook).
• Highly detail-oriented, with excellent time management and problem-solving abilities.
• A collaborative team player who thrives under pressure and tight deadlines