We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Analyst & Team Lead to drive structural and thermal analysis efforts supporting both hardware unit development and full spacecraft systems.This role combines deep individual contributor responsibility with functional leadership of the analysis discipline. You will lead and execute complex analysis work, set technical direction for structural and thermal approaches, and support a team of specialists in delivering high-quality engineering outcomes.You will also support the day-to-day management of the analysis team, including regular one-on-ones and performance feedback, while partnering with senior leadership on career development and progression.Structural and thermal engineers are embedded within cross-functional efforts, including both IPTs and larger program teams. This role ensures consistent analysis methods, technical quality, and strong execution across those environments.Key Responsibilities:Technical Ownership & Execution:Lead structural and thermal analysis approaches and execution across hardware units and spacecraft systemsDefine modeling strategies, verification methods, and analysis approachesDemonstrate margins against requirements (thermal, vibration, static, etc.)Solve high-complexity, multi-physics problems, including critical risk areasTeam Leadership & Functional Direction:Support the day-to-day effectiveness of the analysis team through coordination, feedback, and technical guidanceAct as a first-line escalation point for technical challengesSupport performance feedback and development of team membersCross-functional Collaboration:Partner with mechanical engineering leadership and design teams to support hardware developmentWork across electrical, RF, systems, AIT, and program teams to incorporate structural and thermal considerations into design decisionsProvide subject matter expertise to inform design and verification activitiesTools, Methods & Standards:Drive development and improvement of analysis methods, tools, and workflowsEnsure consistency, reliability, and scalability of simulation approachesContribute to tool selection and usage in alignment with organizational directionMentorship & Technical Leadership:Provide technical guidance and review for structural and thermal engineers, and support design teams as neededMentor engineers to improve technical depth, judgment, and autonomyWhat Success Looks Like:Structural and thermal performance is well understood and validated through analysis and test correlationStrong partnership with design teams leads to early risk reduction and improved performanceAnalysis methods and tools are consistent, scalable, and trusted across effortsEngineers grow in technical depth and effectivenessRequired Skills & Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent8+ years of experience in structural and/or thermal analysisDeep expertise with FEA tools (NASTRAN, Simcenter, or similar)Strong understanding of spacecraft structural and/or thermal environmentsExperience correlating analysis with test (vibration, thermal, etc.)Demonstrated ability to lead technical direction within a specialized domainBonus Points:Experience with spacecraft-level analysis and qualificationFamiliarity with ESA ECSS or NASA standardsExperience supporting both unit-level and system-level developmentExperience defining or managing simulation toolchainsSalary Range: $125,622 - 175,622 CADActual total compensation will be determined at the Company's discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.Job Type: This is for a current vacancyAt Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.
