Space Propulsion Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer

Job Description

Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer – Space Propulsion Systems – Reading, UK

Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.

LMO is a company based in the UK which develops Propulsion Systems for agile small spacecraft across the mission spectrum from Low Earth Orbit to Lunar regimes. Collaborating with major research and industry organisations, LMO is involved in the end-to-end design, development, verification, build, test, and operation of its space hardware products.

LMO UK is currently developing key propulsion technologies and subsystems to offer flexible and smart solutions for the complex future in-orbit servicing market. We work with major industrial partners and on challenging new projects. Programmes at LMO cover a range of applications across all technology readiness levels - from mission studies, new technology prototyping (TRL2-4), all the way up to development and qualification of full systems for space.

Position Summary

The ideal Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer candidate shall be a professional with an established background and relevant experience in mechanical systems and solutions for in-space applications. They will be expected to contribute to technical development projects across LMO’s portfolio of propulsion systems and components.

The Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer will be responsible for major lifecycle activities across projects ranging from specialised propulsion components to full integrated flight mission systems. Furthermore, this role involves cross-discipline interaction with the broader engineering team at all stages from concept through to successful product delivery.

Accordingly, the Mechanical Analysis & Test Engineer will have the opportunity to bring their own unique insight to shaping solutions for LMO’s products and its customer’s missions.

Based out of the UK office in Reading, the role will be a hybrid mix of home/office working

Primary Responsibilities

Planning of analysis and verification activities

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• Definition of approaches and evolution of best practice for mechanical analysis

Definition of approaches and evolution of best practice for mechanical testing

Preliminary analysis of mechanical solutions against system requirements

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• Define-Design-Trade iterations in conjunction with Systems Engineering

Application of hand-calculations and first-principles physics to structural, statics, dynamics, mechanics, kinematics, & thermal analyses

Detailed analysis and refinement of mechanical solutions

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• Design-Analyse-Refine iterations in conjunction with Mechanical Designers

Use of commercial tools (e.g. NASTRAN) and/or development of custom reduced-order models/scripts for structural, statics, dynamics, mechanics, kinematics, & thermal analyses

Supporting major lifecycle milestone reviews

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• e.g. Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Manufacturing Readiness Review (MRR), Test Review Board (TRB), etc.

Testing & Verification

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• Coordination of internal and external test campaigns

Execution of physical environment tests (Shock, Vibration, TVAC etc.)

Post-test processing, analysis, and interpretation of results

Secondary Responsibilities

Preliminary design of mechanical solutions against system requirements

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• Define-Design-Trade iterations in conjunction with Systems Engineering

Detailed design and refinement of mechanical solutions

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• Design-Analyse-Refine iterations in conjunction with Mechanical Analysts

Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, & Integration (MAI)

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• Generation of drawings, BOMs, build procedures, etc.

Manufacturing, Assembly, & Integration (MAI)

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• Liaison with internal & external fabricators

Hands-on construction of complete system assemblies from component parts

Benchtop functionality checks of system assemblies and subassemblies

Mechanical inspection & conformance control of components & assemblies

Required Skills & Experience

Mechanical Analysis & Test

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• Mechanical (Shock, Vibration) and Thermo-Mechanical (TVAC) environments

Working knowledge of (or ability to adapt to) the NASTRAN analysis environment

Understanding of data processing, analysis, and interpretation methods

Mechanical Design

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• Design for Manufacture, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Design of Pressurised Systems, Metallic Pressure Vessels, & Fracture Control

Knowledge of materials for use in Space Environments and Pressurised Systems

Working knowledge of (or ability to adapt to) the PTC Creo design environment

Desired Skills & Experience

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• Direct knowledge of Space Propulsion systems and technologies

Experience/knowledge of safe systems of working with pressure vessels

Knowledge of Special Processes, e.g. Electron-Beam & Orbital Pipe Welding

Knowledge of Space-grade Materials, e.g. polymers, seals, & surface treatments

Knowledge of Space Mechanism design, e.g. HDRMs, rotating assemblies, tribology

Knowledge or familiarity with conducting test risk assessments

Knowledge or familiarity with analysis tools (ESACRACK/NASGRO, SpaceBolt, etc.)

Familiarity with ECSS standards and engineering approaches

Conditions

For this role the base salary expectation, depending on experience and capability, is circa 40,000 to 60,000 GBP per annum for a 40-hour work week. This includes 25 days annual leave. xwwtmva

LMO provides a pension scheme where it matches pension contribution up to 5% of gross salary.

Contact Information

Email:

Phone:

Address: Unit 6, Weighbridge Row, Reading, RG1 8LX