Mechanical Architect

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 searching for a brillian candidate, who will be responsible for the specification, design and implementation of mechanical design of complex spacecrafts.

The candidate shall operate inside a system level core team and interface with the Agencies and Customers, therefore he shall have peculiar communication skills, pro-active attitude in facing and solving problems and inclination to team working. He has to have a solid cultural base in mechanical/structural field such to be able in a short time to define and manage a complex mechanical system design.

Key duties

In a short time the candidate shall be able to perform the following tasks:

• Definition of specific mechanical/structural requirements derived from Customer high level ones.
• Support concept/trade studies in coordination with System Engineering to support architectural basic choices.

• Definition of mechanical architecture.
• Perform design and analyses tasks supporting product development activities on metallic and composite structures, taking into account manufacturability and integration constraints.
• Develop/Construct FEM (Simple) and run of 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 (i.e. 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:

• Previous work experience of at least five years 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 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 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.
• Master degree in Engineering.
• Master SEEDS is appreciated.
• Ph.D and/or Master Seed in Space engineering are highly appreciated and duly accounted in the candidate selection.

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!