← Search all jobs

Lead, Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst (Space Systems)

L3HARRIS Technologies

Rochester, NY · Posted October 20, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at L3HARRIS Technologies

More in New York job market · Aerospace & Defense · Engineering jobs

More roles at L3HARRIS Technologies

Similar jobs

Where Rochester, NY ranks

Where Rochester, NY placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.

How AI is used in this kind of work

AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

  • Python
  • Matlab

About the job

Job Title: Lead, Mechanical Engineer – Structural Analyst (Space Systems)

Job Code: 46488

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

Perform and lead structural analysis of complex space systems including optomechanical assemblies, precision structures, mechanisms, and electronic packaging. This expert-level position requires mastery of sophisticated analysis techniques, technical leadership across programs, mentoring of junior staff, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure structural integrity and system performance from concept through flight.

Essential Responsibilities:

Technical Execution:

Lead the development of analysis strategies and approaches for complex space structures

Interpret system specifications and develop comprehensive analysis plans with minimal direction

Lead development of finite element models of complex space structures, including composites, metallics, and glass

Validate analysis approaches through correlation with test data and hand calculations

Serve as technical authority for structural analysis methods and best practices

Perform and review comprehensive analyses for structural responses to ground, test, launch, and on-orbit environments, including

Structural strength and stability

Modal characteristics and dynamic response

Vibroacoustic environments

Thermoelastic response and STOP analysis

Optomechanical performance

Fatigue/fracture assessments

Technical Leadership & Communication:

Work independently on complex, high-visibility programs

Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level analysts

Lead technical reviews and provide expert recommendations to program leadership

Prepare technical reports, analysis documentation, and presentations for internal reviews and customer deliverables

Support and lead design reviews, trade studies, and design optimization efforts

Interface directly with design engineers, systems engineering, and test organizations

Program Support:

Serve as structural analysis lead or subject matter expert on major programs

Contribute throughout the development cycle: requirements definition, concept trades, preliminary/final design, component selection, and integration/test support

Support manufacturing operations and provide technical guidance

Lead risk identification and mitigation activities

Support proposal development and technical planning efforts

Selected candidate will need to be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering/science discipline and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience

3+ years of experience working on aerospace programs

3+ years experience with Nastran (required) and commercial pre/post processors (Femap or Patran preferred)

Professional experience performing structural analysis of aerospace systems

Experience with NASA or DoD structural design standards and requirements

Preferred Additional Skills:

Active TS/SCI Clearance is preferred

Optomechanical systems and precision structures

Composite structure design and analysis

Advanced dynamic analysis and test correlation

Fracture and damage tolerance analysis

Jitter / microvibration analysis

Electronic packaging analysis

On-orbit thermoelastic (STOP) analysis

Programming/scripting experience (MATLAB, Python, Fortran) for analysis automation and tool development

Prior experience as a technical lead, project engineer, IPT lead, or chief engineer

Experience supporting proposal development and cost/schedule estimation

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, Cleveland Ohio, and Vermont is $106,000 - $197,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements

#LI-RK1