Golden, CO | On-Site | Full-Time
The RoleWe are looking for a Mid to Senior Level Mechanical Engineer to own the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems and structures for our self-assembling spacecraft, taking space-grade hardware from concept through production and on-orbit operation. You will own complex mechanical and electromechanical subsystems (requirements definition, detailed CAD, tolerance analysis, and design reviews) and partner with systems, electrical, software, and manufacturing to integrate them into flight hardware. You will also mentor junior engineers and help raise our design standards and engineering practices. This is a full-time, on-site role in Golden, Colorado.
What You'll Do- Own complex, space-grade mechanical and electromechanical subsystems from concept through production and on-orbit operation, including requirements definition, detailed CAD modeling, tolerance stack-ups, and design reviews.
- Design spacecraft mechanisms, actuators, and structural assemblies that survive launch loads and operate in the space environment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, electrical, software, manufacturing) to integrate mechanical designs.
- Support prototype builds and oversee mechanical verification and validation, including environmental and vibration testing.
- Engage suppliers and support fabrication processes; produce and check detailed drawings and GD&T.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, documentation, and best practices.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
- 5+ years of mechanical design experience, ideally with spacecraft, satellite, or other aerospace and robotics hardware.
- Strong foundation in core mechanical engineering principles-statics, dynamics, materials, and structural analysis.
- Strong ability to communicate across engineering disciplines to make program-critical decisions.
- Solid understanding of aerospace materials, hardware, and fabrication techniques.
- Demonstrated experience designing spaceflight hardware-mechanisms, actuators, and structural assemblies built for launch and on-orbit environments.
- Strong command of CAD tools for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Test plan development, including environmental and structural testing experience, preferably for spaceflight hardware qualification.
- Hands-on R&D background-prototyping, testing, and iterating on novel mechanical concepts.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with design lifecycle and configuration management systems
- Proficiency with Onshape (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo also valued) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
- Experience with industry-standard FEA tools (e.g., Nastran/Femap, ANSYS, Abaqus) and thermal tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop or a comparable node-based solver).
- Project-management experience-planning, scheduling, risk identification, and cross-functional coordination.
- Familiarity with NASA (e.g., NASA-STD-5020, GEVS) and/or SMC-S-016 verification standards.
- Understanding of aerospace loading and thermal environments, material behavior, and margin assessment.
- Familiarity with separation systems, deployables, or precision mechanisms.
- Ownership of a spacecraft or satellite subsystem across its full lifecycle: design, qualification, production, and on-orbit operation.
- Experience in a startup or fast-iteration hardware environment.
Compensation and BenefitsEngineer: $85,000 - $130,000
Senior Engineer: $130,000 - $160,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. In addition to the base salary, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options. You will receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave. You may also receive 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
