As a Build Engineer, you will turn designs into hardware: from early R&D test articles, through full-scale prototypes, to qualification units and first flight deployables. You will work hands-on in the lab and alongside design, analysis and test engineers, owning how our hardware is built, integrated and verified.
Key Responsibilities:- Prototype
- Lead the build and integration of full-scale and subscale deployable prototypes, from kitting through full assembly and component level.
- Design and build the tooling, fixtures, jigs and ground support equipment (for example gravity offload systems) needed to assemble and deploy large structures.
- Plan builds, manage parts and materials, and keep schedules moving across a fast-paced lab.
- Research & Development
- Build and modify early test articles, mechanism breadboards and material coupons to retire key technical risks quickly.
- Work directly with design engineers to iterate on concepts, giving design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly feedback from the bench.
- Develop and trial new fabrication, bonding, joining and tensioning techniques for large, lightweight structures.
- Source and work closely with vendors to secure critical materials and piece parts.
- Qualification
- Plan and run build, qualification, and acceptance testing for the hardware and tooling needed to hit delivery deadlines.
- Build qualification and flight-like units to controlled, documented processes with full traceability.
- Support environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum and deployment testing, through pre-test build, integration and post-test inspection.
- Capture as-built configurations, nonconformances and corrective actions, and drive root-cause investigations when hardware does not behave as expected.
Basic Qualification:- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or manufacturing engineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
- 1+ years of experience building, integrating or testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware.
- Hands-on skill with hand and power tools, precision measurement and mechanical assembly.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.
- Working knowledge of CAD (for example SolidWorks, NX or Onshape).
Preferred qualifications:- 2+ years of experience building, integrating or testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware.
- Experience building spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware, ideally deployable mechanisms such as booms, antennas, solar arrays or hinges.
- Experience taking hardware through qualification or acceptance testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock).
- Experience with composites layup, adhesive bonding or other lightweight structure fabrication.
- Machining, 3D printing or other rapid prototyping skills
- Experience designing tooling and ground support equipment for large assemblies.
Additional Requirements:- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.
