Mechanical EngineerAbout the Role:
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in designing and building the physical systems that enable our spacecraft to operate reliably in space. You will own critical hardware from concept through flight, working across structures, mechanisms, thermal systems, and packaging to deliver high-performance, flight-ready designs.
This is a hands-on role at the center of hardware development. You will work closely with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software teams to design integrated systems, rapidly prototype, and validate through testing. You'll be expected to move quickly, iterate often, and take ownership of hardware that directly impacts mission success.
Responsibilities:- Own mechanical design of spacecraft components and assemblies from concept through production
- Design and develop structures, mechanisms, and thermal solutions for space environments
- Develop and maintain engineering documentation, drawings, and release processes
- Perform analysis including FEA, thermal, and tolerance stack-ups to validate designs
- Drive rapid prototyping, build, and test cycles to accelerate hardware development
- Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software engineering teams
- Support integration, environmental testing, and launch readiness activities
- Troubleshoot hardware issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements
- Work with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure high-quality, scalable production
- Balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule in design decisions
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for aerospace or high-performance hardware
- Experience taking hardware from concept through build and test
- Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, and thermal systems
- Proficiency with CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar)
- Experience working in fast-paced, hardware-focused development environments
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience designing for space environments (thermal, vibration, vacuum)
- Background in spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or thermal systems
- Experience with FEA and/or thermal analysis tools
- Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or test setups
- Experience working at a high-growth or early-stage hardware company
- Familiarity with integration, environmental testing, or launch operations
Compensation and Benefits:The salary range for this position is
$125,000 - $175,000 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
ITAR Requirements- Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
