Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
3+ years of experience in spaceflight hardware design
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks
Working knowledge of GD&T
Experience with flight environments and launch loads
Familiarity with FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus
Ability to independently take concepts to finished hardware
U.S. citizenship with eligibility for DoD Secret clearance
Responsibilities
Design and model spaceflight mechanisms and structures
Run structural and vibration analysis for launch load survivability
Produce fully toleranced drawings for machining and assembly
Build, assemble, and test components through qualification campaigns
Perform fatigue and lifetime analysis on critical parts
Design jigs and fixtures for testing
Collaborate with propulsion and electrical engineers on integration
Manage machine shops and suppliers throughout the production process
Benefits
Own the mechanical design of a first-generation spacecraft
Short cycles from CAD to built and tested hardware
Collaborative work environment with propulsion and electrical engineers
Meaningful early-stage equity
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) plan
Unlimited paid time off
Full Job Description
Flight Hardware Design Engineer - Design the Mechanisms That Carry Our Spacecraft Through Launch
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
We are hiring a Flight Hardware Design Engineer to design, analyze, and build the mechanical systems on our first spacecraft. You will own components such as deployment mechanisms, launch restraints, and structural interfaces from concept and CAD through analysis, build, and qualification testing. You will also design the fixtures and ground hardware that support our test campaigns.
This role suits a hands-on mechanical engineer who wants broad ownership and wants to see their designs fly.
Job Duties
Design and model spaceflight mechanisms and structures, including deployables, latches, and hold-down systems
Run structural, modal, and random vibration analysis to confirm designs survive launch loads
Produce fully toleranced drawings using GD&T for machining and assembly
Build, assemble, and test components, including environmental and qualification campaigns
Perform fatigue and lifetime analysis on critical parts
Design jigs, fixtures, and ground support equipment for propulsion and component testing
Work with propulsion and electrical engineers on packaging, harnessing, and integration
Manage machine shops and suppliers from quote through inspection
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
3+ years of experience designing hardware for spaceflight, launch vehicles, or aerospace systems
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks
Working knowledge of GD&T
Experience designing for flight environments and launch loads
Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks Simulation
Ability to take a concept to finished hardware with limited oversight
U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
Preferred Experience
Hands-on build and test experience with flight hardware
Strain-life fatigue and random vibration analysis
Environmental testing experience such as vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum
Some electrical or harness design experience
Python or another programming language
Strong communication and presentation skills
Why Join Us
Own the mechanical design of a first-generation spacecraft
Short cycles from CAD to built and tested hardware
Work alongside propulsion and electrical engineers on a small, collaborative team
Meaningful early-stage equity
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
