Lead Structural/Thermal Engineer

Mbryonics is at the forefront of free space optical communications. Our product portfolio covers a wide range of emerging technologies from photonic integrated circuits to advanced optical systems and embedded software solutions. Our optical communications systems are integrated and deployed in satellite communications systems. The work is exciting and challenging and is at the forefront of the technology domains. As part of our expansion, we are currently looking for a suitably motivated - Lead Structural/Thermal Engineer - to join our group.

What you’ll do

• Lead and improve engineering practices across the Structural, Thermal, and Optomechanical Performance (STOP) domain for the continuous improvement of MBRYONICS capabilities and engineering excellence.
• Develop and execute multidisciplinary STOP analysis workflows to predict optical system performance under environmental loads including thermal gradients, structural vibrations, and mechanical stresses.
• Lead and mentor engineers, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, resilient and innovative engineering culture within MBRYONICS.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance opto-mechanical subsystems.
• Perform detailed FEA and thermal simulations using tools such as ANSYS, Thermica, Simcenter 3D, FEMAP or equivalent, integrating results with optical analysis tools (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, SigFit).
• Support environmental testing campaigns including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum (TVAC), correlating test data with predictive models.
• Define and execute test plans to validate structural and thermal models and support qualification of optical assemblies for space applications.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, analysis reports, and verification matrices in accordance with ECSS or MIL-STD requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in structural and thermal analysis capabilities, implementing best practices in model reuse, simulation automation, and cross-domain integration.
• Work closely with systems engineers to define load cases, boundary conditions, and performance budgets relevant to STOP modelling.
• Proactively engage with suppliers and test houses on mechanical and thermal interface requirements, mounting concepts, and thermal control strategies.
• Participate in design reviews, customer meetings, and bid/proposal efforts, serving as the subject matter expert for structural and thermal modeling of optical systems.
• Work with managers and supervisors to implement quality measures and standards, with an ultimate goal of scaling up to high volume manufacturing.

Who you are

• 8+ years of mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field experience
• B.Eng/M.Eng in Mechanical, Optical, Aerospace Engineering or relevant field
• Deep expertise in FEA for structural analysis (modal, static, random vibration, shock) and thermal analysis (conductive, radiative, transient).
• Strong background in STOP analysis, including experience integrating structural/thermal results into optical performance models.
• Proficient with ANSYS, Simcenter 3D, or equivalent multiphysics simulation environments.
• Familiarity with optomechanical design principles, tolerance analysis, and the impact of mechanical and thermal loads on optical alignment and wavefront error.
• Strong grasp of ECSS, MIL-STD, or NASA standards for mechanical and thermal qualification of spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with optical, systems, and mechanical teams.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior engineers.

Desirable Requirements/Technical Skills/Education:

• Familiarity with SigFit or other STOP-specific analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience supporting TVAC, vibration, and mechanical shock testing.
• Understanding of spacecraft thermal control methods (e.g., coatings, MLI, interface design, conductive paths).
• Knowledge of materials for structural and thermal stability (e.g., Invar, aluminum alloys, CFRP).
• Experience with spacecraft-level analysis and performance allocation across subsystems.
• Actively engaged in the fields of structural, thermal, or optical engineering, with a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
• Familiarity with space industry standards (ECSS/MIL-STD), CI/CD for mechanical releases, configuration control, and quality systems (ISO 9001 etc.).
• Direct experience working on structural analysis of space structures.