Leonardo DRS is a prime contractor, leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and defense contractors worldwide. The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, the company builds power systems and electro-optical/infrared systems for a wide range of commercial customers. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Leonardo DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A. For additional information on DRS, please visit our website at www.leonardodrs.com
Job ID: 114788
DRS Daylight Solutions business provides industry-changing mid-infrared laser light technology for government and commercial markets, including: defense and security; life sciences; and industrial process control. As a mid-IR technology pioneer, Daylight Solutions has delivered more mid-IR systems to more applications world-wide than any other company.
The Senior Mechanical Engineer Analyst - Simulation and FEA performs advanced simulation and analysis to predict structural, thermal, and coupled physics behavior of assemblies and instruments. Work includes developing models, defining load cases, executing analyses, correlating to test when available, and translating results into design actions and verification evidence. Scope includes structural analysis - linear and nonlinear statics and dynamics, thermal analysis, computational fluid dynamics and flow analysis, specialized analyses including Structural Thermal Optical Performance, and multiphysics and coupled loads analysis. The role will support issue resolution and design closure across the business by building and validating models that explain real behavior and quantify margin. The output is not opinions; it is engineering artifacts that enable requirement closure, qualification readiness, and stable production. This role supports Daylight’ way-of-working by making analysis a normal step in engineering execution and corrective action, especially when testing shows unexpected failures, systems must survive harsh environments, schedules are tight, and reliability must be demonstrated before hardware exists.
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Build, verify, and run structural models for linear and nonlinear statics and dynamics.
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Define critical load scenarios and boundary conditions that represent real use, handling, and environmental conditions.
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Produce engineering artifacts that state assumptions, inputs, solver setup, sensitivities, and conclusions suitable for review and reuse.
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Develop thermal models to predict temperatures, gradients, and thermal stability.
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Quantify thermal sensitivities that affect alignment, packaging stability, and operating margin.
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Execute coupled loads analyses where mechanical, thermal, and flow effects interact.
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Support Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis when optical performance is sensitive to structural and thermal behavior.
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Perform CFD and flow analysis to support convective cooling, purge flows, and enclosure thermal behavior as needed.
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When unexpected failures occur, use simulation to bound root cause hypotheses, identify critical variables, and recommend design or process changes.
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Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Product Engineering to translate findings into controlled changes with measurable outcomes.
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When test data exists, correlate models to reality and quantify uncertainty and margin.
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Define what test data is needed to close gaps in model fidelity and support verification.
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Work with Mechanical, Optical, EE, Firmware, Software, and Manufacturing to ensure simulation results translate into design decisions, verification plans, and integration closure.
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Proficiency with ANSYS toolchain for the analyses in this role, including ANSYS Mechanical (Structural), ANSYS Workbench, ANSYS APDL, ANSYS Icepak (electronics cooling) and ANSYS Fluent (CFD), with the ability to build, solve, post-process, and package review-ready engineering artifacts.
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Experience with SigFit for FEA-to-optics deformation fitting is desired
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Working-level familiarity with Zemax for interpreting optical sensitivity and STOP-related handoffs.
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Experience with nonlinear mechanics, dynamics, and model-based failure investigation.
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Experience with thermal modeling and coupled thermo-mechanical analyses.
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Experience with CFD and flow modeling for cooling and enclosure behavior.
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Experience with specialized analyses such as Structural Thermal Optical Performance, optical sensitivity drivers, or other multi-domain performance modeling.
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BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline and a minimum of 5 years of experience; Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or a closely related field may be considered in lieu of some required years of industry experience, provided the candidate demonstrates applicable simulation and analysis depth and the ability to generate review-ready engineering artifacts.
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Demonstrated experience performing engineering simulation with a focus on FEA.
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Ability to translate ambiguous field or factory issues into structured load cases, models, and actionable conclusions.
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Strong written and verbal technical communication with the ability to present analysis in formal reviews.
U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
The salary range for this position is $107,089.00/year- $159,027.00/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
- Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
