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.