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Mechanical Analysis Engineer – Satellite structures & components

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.

SWISSto12 is a leading provider of Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems for aerospace applications. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products.

SWISSto12 is also providing the HummingSat as the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows telecommunications operators to deploy a cost-efficient, compact and agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has recently been selected by Inmarsat to build three I-8 satellites and in 2022 by Intelsat to build the I-45 satellite. If you are looking for position where you can play an active role in contributing to innovative and growing company, this role is for you.

We are looking for a Mechanical Analysis Engineer to join the SWISSto12 team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

  • Define, perform, validate, and document spacecraft structural analysis using appropriate methodologies which may include a combination of classical hand calculations, empirical and finite element analysis approaches.
  • Build, run, and post-process detailed and idealized finite element models of full spacecraft, sub-assemblies and components subjected to static, dynamic, and thermal loading.
  • Provide practical support to hardware development and testing activities in addition to defining test plans and procedures, undertaking test predictions, and completing post-test model correlations.
  • Collaborate with design and system engineers to iterate designs using appropriate sizing methods to enable a ‘Design-by-analysis’ approach.
  • Review and assess mechanical specifications from customers or SWISSto12 internal teams to establish relevant technical analysis and test plans.
  • Contribute to technical exchanges with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
  • Occasionally, you will be asked to participate in overall tasks and services inherent to a dynamic fast-growing company.

Required experience and competencies:

  • At least 4 years demonstrated professional experience in the structural analysis of full spacecraft and/or major sub-assemblies for space applications or experience in the mechanical analysis of mass efficient equipment for high performance applications typified by aerospace, defense, and motorsport.
  • Proficient in the use of NASTRAN finite element analysis solver and one or more industry standard pre/post processors such as Hypermesh or FEMAP, and/or proficient in the use of ANSYS FEA software for mechanical analysis.
  • Strong working knowledge of linear, non-linear, thermo-elastic, buckling, modal, sinusoidal and random vibration analysis methodologies as applicable to aerospace applications.
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as ECSS, MIL-HDBK5/17, NASA etc.
  • Prior experience undertaking dynamic mechanical testing and test correlation.
  • Ability to use CAD tools with an emphasis on geometry preparation for analysis.
  • Organized, methodical, precise, meticulous, and autonomous person able to work across multiple concurrent work streams.
  • Ease of communicating effectively, good interpersonal skills and ability to integrate into a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
  • Mechanical/Aerospace engineering Bachelor, Master or equivalent.
  • Excellent presentation and writing skills in English, skills in French are a plus.

Beneficial experience and competencies:

  • Prior experience of medium mass Satellite structural development (500-1000kg).
  • Basic proficiency with one or more programming languages for the purpose of analysis data processing, e.g. Python, MATLAB, Perl, VBA etc.
  • Experience in design, search, and optimization workflows for structural engineering.
  • Familiarity with composite, polymeric and elastomeric materials.
  • Familiarity with engineering for micro vibration and/or vibro-acoustic analysis and test.

Working conditions and contract:

SWISSto12 offers a full-time contract with an attractive compensation package. This position will be based in our Lausanne, Switzerland office.

Interested applicants are requested to apply through LinkedIn

More about SWISSto12:

SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Inmarsat/ViaSat, Intelsat and ESA for HummingSat as well as contracts for their RF product line in Europe and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Lockheed Martin and the ESA. SWISSto12 is a spin off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and operates a US-subsidiary in Foster City California. The company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.