Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
4+ years of hands-on engineering experience with satellite or launch vehicle mechanisms
Experience as the responsible engineer for a spaceflight mechanism from design to qualification
Proficient in designing mechanisms driven by motors, springs, and HDRMs
Skilled in CAD software for developing design models and drawings
Responsibilities
Own mechanism subsystems from requirements to flight qualification
Lead trade studies and apply First Principles Engineering Analysis for optimization
Create and review detailed CAD models and assembly processes
Conduct classical and FEA analysis for load conditions to ensure reliability
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and lead anomaly investigations
Define qualification plans and present designs at reviews
Mentor junior engineers and set design standards for the mechanical team
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge deployable structures for space applications
Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams
Mentorship opportunities for career growth
Involvement in the full lifecycle of spaceflight mechanisms
Potential for extended hours and weekends to meet project milestones
Full Job Description
To make this possible, mechanical systems will need to be greatly simplified, more reliable, and easier to manufacture. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating mechanical systems and actuators for our deployable structures. These mechanisms are used in various applications from solar arrays to radiators. You will be entrusted to improve existing systems while also helping to shape and design the next generation.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and Development:
Own mechanism subsystems as the Responsible Engineer, from requirements and architecture through flight qualification.
Lead trade studies on mechanism design options and apply First Principles Engineering Analysis to optimize mechanisms and systems for satellites.
Create and review detailed CAD models, including mechanism architecture, material/lubrication selections, assembly processes, and test methods.
Conduct and review classical and FEA analysis for all load conditions (static, dynamic, thermal, fatigue) to ensure adequate margins and reliability.
Testing and Validation:
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans throughout development, and lead anomaly investigations.
Define qualification plans and acceptance testing methods, and present designs at design reviews.
Produce and approve complete design packages, including detailed drawings, analysis reports, BOMs, and assembly documentation.
Optimization and Leadership:
Facilitate cost trades on multiple parallel configurations to balance cost, manufacturability, and design risk.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers to ensure smooth integration with the spacecraft.
Mentor junior engineers and interns, and set design standards for the mechanical team.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
4+ years of experience in a hands-on engineering role working with satellite or launch vehicle mechanisms.
Experience taking at least one spaceflight mechanism from design through qualification as the responsible engineer.
Experience designing and qualifying mechanisms driven by stepper or BLDC motors, springs, and HDRMs.
Proficient in developing design models and drawings for production and analysis using CAD software.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Flight heritage on mechanisms you designed.
Experience mentoring engineers or leading a technical team.
Expertise in materials and lubricant selection for space applications.
Experience working with very large lightweight deployable structures.
Proficiency using Fusion and Ansys for CAD and analysis.
Additional Requirements:
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.
