Senior Mechanical Engineer, Shock and Vibration

Overview of the role

Advanced Navigation enters a new phase of Growth and International expansion and our team is on a mission to develop software to ensure that our products are the most reliable, high performance navigation products in the world. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer you will be instrumental in realising this ambition, developing software to solve real world problems with real world impact.

What you'll do:

• Design, prototype, and test complex mechanical systems integrating tightly with electronic and software components. 
• Designing products and components for wide temperature ranges, high vibration environments choosing the materials and shapes that can withstand or reduce the vibration and shock loads.
• Design and integrate damping systems to protect sensitive electronics and mission-critical hardware. Applying isolation techniques (i.e. appropriate shock mounts) that can attenuate or eliminate the vibration and shock transmitted to or within the system.
• Design & Analysis: Develop robust mechanical components and isolation systems using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks). Perform detailed FEA to analyze natural frequencies, random vibration, and shock loading.
• Dynamic Simulation: Conduct modal analysis and predictive simulations to identify resonance frequencies and mitigate potential fatigue failures before physical prototyping.
• Testing & Validation: Lead Design Validation Testing (DVT) efforts, including the setup and execution of shaker table testing and environmental stress screening.
• Reliability: Ensure electronics packaging, PCB and fibre optic assemblies can withstand thermal and vibration stress throughout their operational lifecycle.
• Compliance: Ensure all designs meet rigorous industry and military standards, specifically MILSTD- 810.
• Take ownership and responsibility for a component of a project and manage deadlines and reporting for the component.
• Work closely with the Product Owner and Product Manager to ensure project requirements are being met, timelines are realistic, being adhered to and that the engineering designs meet requirements.
• Collaborate tightly with electrical and embedded software engineers to ensure seamless integration between system components.
• Develop jigs and self test capabilities to test and automate production of products.
• Deliver quality engineering solutions to agreed schedules and deadlines.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Degree qualified Engineer with specialisation in mechatronics, robotics, electrical, or mechanical engineering with a focus on vibrations/dynamics is highly preferred.
• Have 5+ years of engineering experience with a proven record of practical, hands-on problem solving.
• Extensive experience in mechanical CAD design (e.g., SolidWorks) and rapid prototyping techniques (3D printing, CNC machining, fabrication).
• Advanced experience with FEA packages like SolidWorks Simulation Premium (preferred) or ANSYS or Nastran.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex modal analysis for shock/vibration/thermal and predictive hardware testing.
• Practical experience with shaker tables, accelerometers, and data acquisition systems for modal testing and sine/random vibration profiles using standards like MIL-STD-810, ISO 10816, ISO 1940, or NASA-HDBK-7004.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to translate simulation data into actionable design improvements to reduce the effects of shock and vibration.
• Deep understanding of material properties, including metals and viscoelastic damping materials, under dynamic stress and varying temperatures.
• Exposure to high volume production designs with a focus on design for manufacturability.
• Experience designing components for wide temperature ranges, high vibration environments choosing the materials and shapes that can withstand or reduce the vibration and shock loads.
• Experience applying damping and isolation techniques that can attenuate or eliminate the vibration and shock transmitted to or within the system.
• Highly analytical with practical, root-cause problem-solving capabilities.
• Possess strategic thinking and strong abilities to distill large amounts of information quickly and accurately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Efficient time management abilities, showcasing a drive for swift action.
• Be comfortable deep diving into technical topics and learning new skills to solve emerging problems.