Mechanical Design Engineer - Develop Advanced Electrochemical Systems for SpaceLos Angeles, CA | On-site
Opportunity SummaryJoin a seed-stage space technology startup developing advanced spacecraft propulsion and energy systems that enable the next generation of in-space mobility. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and integration of advanced electrochemical hardware that serves as a critical component of the company's propulsion architecture. This is a highly hands-on engineering role with ownership from concept through flight-qualified hardware. You will apply mechanical design, fluid systems, thermal analysis, and electrochemical fundamentals to develop high-performance hardware while collaborating across propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams. The role combines analytical engineering with rapid hardware iteration in a fast-moving development environment.
Job Duties- Lead the mechanical design and development of advanced electrochemical hardware supporting spacecraft propulsion systems.
- Design, analyze, prototype, and test electrochemical stacks and associated mechanical assemblies.
- Develop innovative hardware architectures that improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, and system efficiency.
- Perform mechanical, thermal, and fluid analyses to support component sizing, optimization, and validation.
- Utilize analytical calculations and engineering simulation tools to evaluate sealing performance, structural integrity, and thermal behavior.
- Investigate prototype and test failures through structured root cause analysis and implement design improvements.
- Support the development of related propulsion, fluid, thermal management, and energy conversion subsystems.
- Create engineering drawings, interface definitions, assembly documentation, test procedures, and manufacturing documentation.
- Support laboratory testing of electrochemical, propulsion, and fluid systems.
- Participate in system safety assessments, hazard analysis, and safe operation of high-pressure test systems.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
Qualifications- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing complex mechanical, electrochemical, thermal, or fluid systems.
- Hands-on experience with electrochemical stacks, battery systems, fuel cells, heat exchangers, or comparable engineered hardware.
- Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, compressible flow, and mechanical design fundamentals.
- Experience performing engineering analysis using hand calculations, CAD, FEA, CFD, Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering tools.
- Strong mechanical design skills including GD&T, material selection, manufacturability, assembly, and testing.
- Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems and safe laboratory testing practices.
- Ability to solve complex engineering problems using first-principles thinking.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with significant technical ownership.
Preferred Experience- Experience developing electrochemical systems such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, batteries, or similar energy conversion hardware.
- Background designing pressure vessels, sealed assemblies, or high-performance fluid systems.
- Experience with hydrogen, oxygen, or other specialty fluid systems.
- Knowledge of leak testing, cleanliness requirements, and hazardous fluid handling.
- Experience supporting hardware through prototype development, qualification, and production.
- Startup or early-stage aerospace product development experience.
Why Join Us- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Equity participation through stock options.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) program.
- Paid time off.
- Opportunity to develop critical spacecraft hardware from concept through flight.
- Significant technical ownership with direct collaboration alongside experienced aerospace engineers.
- Career growth within a rapidly expanding seed-stage space company.
Compensation Details$130,000 - $180,000
