About the Role:The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for the structural and thermal-mechanical design of our space-based compute hardware. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with deep experience in high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from packaging architecture and thermal trade studies to hands-on hardware integration and qualification. This role covers electronics packaging, chassis design, thermal management, and structural qualification for compute and power electronics operating in the harsh environment of Low Earth Orbit. You will lead a team of mechanical engineers and work closely with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft systems teams to deliver robust, high-performance compute flight hardware ready for orbit. Previous experience driving end-to-end mechanical development of electronics packaging or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications in a fast-paced environment is required.
Responsibilities:- Own the mechanical architecture of space-based compute hardware, including chassis, PCB retention, connector interfaces, and thermal management, from concept through production
- Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and thermal performance to optimize compute hardware architecture
- Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction, review standards, and execution pace
- Define and own interfaces and technical budgets for compute and power electronics assemblies
- Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, working with analysts to validate designs against requirements
- Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors
- Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
- Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical and thermal interfaces
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for flight hardware in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics programs
- Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of electronics enclosures or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T
- Experience with structural analysis and thermal modeling tools
- Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
- Strong understanding of thermal management approaches for high-power electronics in vacuum environments
- Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 8+ years of experience developing flight hardware for space or defense programs
- Experience with conduction-cooled electronics packaging or cold plate design for space flight hardware
- Experience with liquid cooling solutions for flight hardware
- Familiarity with high-power compute or GPU hardware packaging and associated thermal constraints
- Experience with radiation design considerations for electronics operating in LEO
- Experience with deployable or articulating power or thermal structures
- Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and test in a lab or cleanroom environment
- Prior experience as a technical lead or engineering manager on a flight program
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$150,000 - $225,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
