Mechanisms Design Engineer

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

We are looking for a Mechanisms Design Engineer

The candidate will be in charge to define the project solutions concerning the mechanisms for space missions vehicles, based both on metallic and composite materials. The candidate will analyze requirements at subsystem level which will be the basis for the design definition.

The candidate will define design solutions for mechanisms, including selection of components (e.g. springs, dampers, gearbox, levers), with associated materials and processes. For outsourced products, the candidate will provide technical support for relevant procurement, including definition of technical requirements.

Mass efficient solutions must be in synergy with the selected aerospace materials to be able to withstand the applicable mission loads (including re-entry, landing impact loads).

Multibody analyses capability is required to support the identified design solutions and some detailed local model to assess the behavior of the most critical areas.

The mechanisms design engineer has also to support the development process based on dedicated test articles and breadboards intended to validate the  design solutions and the performed analyses and must have knowledge of CAD and drawings to drive the elaboration of the proposed design solutions.

He has also to be able to coach and support the skill development of younger resources.

Key duties:

Design of spacecraft mechanisms for manned and non-manned modules and satellites, that include:

• Spacecraft mechanical design based on aerospace materials; the following tasks are typically worked out:

  • Definition and sizing of mechanisms parts and interfaces either by hand calculation, preliminary Multibody analysis and FEM analysis

  • Selection of materials and associated surface treatments

  • Definition of required tolerances

  • Review of CAD models and drawings

• Multibody modeling and analysis with ADAMS or Motion View/Motion Solver

• Support the development and verification plan of spacecraft mechanisms

• Reporting (Design and Analysis report, support to design and development plans, support to instrumentation plan for mechanical testing)

The following task could be requested occasionally:

• Design verification through structural analysis either with use of hand calculation methodology or FEM;

• Support to static, kinematic, and dynamic testing preparation, attendance and results evaluation.

• Specification/design/development/modeling of mechanism and relevant control laws (supported by MATLAB / SIMULINK or similar)

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• The following skills are considered a ‘must’ for this position:

  • Mechanical Engineering Knowledge and Expertise;

  • Knowledge of metallic and non-metallic technologies either for material or processes;

  • Knowledge of aerospace design and analysis methodologies and associated manuals (e.g. Bruhn, Roarks).

  • Knowledge of tribology

  • Knowledge of CAD and CAM processes and capabilities;

  • Manufacturing drawing readings and knowledge;

  • Full comprehensive capability of Windows Office package;

  • Knowledge of a Multibody analysis tool (ADAMS or Motion View)

• Additional assets are competencies in using:

  • Knowledge of Nastran solver

  • Knowledge of a FEM pre-post processor (Hyperworks, Femap, Patran)

  • Matlab, Mathcad, Simulink or equivalent;

• Master Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering

  • Master or specific courses in Mechanical Design will be considered additional asset

• A previous experience working in Structural or Mechanical Engineering or Industrial one for structures and mechanical systems will be considered an asset

• Languages

  • Very good knowledge of English written and spoken

  • French language knowledge will be considered additional asset.

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!