Senior Mechanical Architect Engineer

Senior Mechanical Architect Engineer at Thales Alenia Space

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 Senior Mechanical Architect Engineer who will define conceptual mechanical architecture, system and subsystem requirements, and oversee mechanical design implementation in accordance with requirements and customer needs.

The successful candidate will operate within a system-level core team, interfacing with Agencies and Customers. This requires peculiar communication skills, a pro-active attitude in facing and solving problems, and a strong inclination towards teamwork. A solid cultural base in the mechanical/structural field is essential to quickly define and manage complex mechanical system designs.

Key Duties

• Definition of specific mechanical/structural requirements derived from Customer high-level ones.
• Support concept/trade studies in coordination with System Engineering to inform architectural basic choices.
• Definition of overall mechanical architecture.
• Perform design and analyses tasks supporting product development activities on metallic and composite structures, considering manufacturability and integration constraints.
• Develop/Construct FEM (Simple) and run structural/dynamic analyses to support sizing and design choices.
• Preparation of Procurement Specifications for structures systems and subsystems.
• Technical follow-on of structures procurement up to delivery, including Subcontractors management.
• Engineering support to development and qualification of manufacturing processes for mechanical hardware.
• Support to hardware integration and final testing.
• Support and provide input to test plans and preparation of test specifications for mechanical tests (static and dynamic).
• Support to Quality Assurance for discussion and disposition of NCRs affecting mechanical parts during manufacturing, integration, and testing activities.
• Participate and present in internal and external meetings and reviews.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required

• Master's degree in Engineering is mandatory.
• Previous work experience in the requested discipline and field (Space) is mandatory.
• Ability and experience in managing Subcontractors from both a technical and programmatic point of view.
• Attitude to manage and be a leader of a technical team.
• Knowledge of structural main requirements and relevant solutions for Space Station manned modules, Satellites, and re-entry Vehicles.
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and techniques relevant to structure/mechanical constituents.
• Experience with analysis tools for mechanical analysis such as NASTRAN, FEMAP is preferred.
• Hand calculation skills/methods and strong Engineering judgment.
• Knowledge of fracture mechanics and fatigue aspects is preferred.
• Good attitude towards teaming and multi-disciplinary approaches.
• Available to work in shifts if requested by the Program.
• Good attitude towards analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving.
• Excellent knowledge of English language (spoken and written).
• Respect of Company hierarchy, rules, and discipline.
• Attitude to work respecting budgets and schedule constraints.
• Ph.D and/or Master Seed in Space engineering are highly appreciated and duly accounted in the candidate selection.

Key skills/competency

• Mechanical Architecture
• Structural Analysis
• FEM/FEA (NASTRAN, FEMAP)
• Space Engineering
• Subcontractor Management
• Requirements Definition
• Materials Science
• Manufacturing Processes
• Team Leadership
• Problem Solving