Agile Space Industries

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

Agile Space Industries$146K — $247K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. or advanced degree in a relevant engineering field
  • 15+ years of experience in mechanical systems development
  • Expertise in mechanical design for high-pressure/high-temperature environments
  • Proven track record in delivering rocket engine architectural solutions
  • GD&T certification and knowledge
  • Proficient in CAD modeling per ASME Y14.100 standards
  • Strong understanding of space flight environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Drive design and development of complex propulsion system components
  • Design and develop chemical rocket system components from concept to production
  • Translate technical strategies into actionable engineering requirements
  • Simplify ambiguous propulsion challenges into effective mechanical solutions
  • Advise engineering leadership on high-stakes technical decisions
  • Cultivate a culture of technical excellence and collaboration
  • Lead hardware through the entire development process
  • Implement risk mitigation strategies in development activities
  • Facilitate cross-functional communication and collaboration.

Benefits

  • Generous health coverage including dental and vision plans
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Parental leave
  • 401(k) plan with 100% company match up to 4%
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

Agile Space Industries is seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer in beautiful Durango, CO. The Mechanical Engineer will drive the architectural design and innovation of rocket engine components specifically for hypergolic propulsion systems. Responsibilities may include design of structures, assemblies, mechanisms, bearings, seals, pressure vessels, engine components, and fluid components as well as design for manufacturing, thermal and stress analysis, component, material, and process selection.

This role may be from Staff to Principal Engineering level and will be assessed as part of the candidate review process.

This role is designed for an individual contributor who has strategic vision and can lead enterprise-scale technical developments. The ideal candidate has executed many full-lifecycle development programs, designing mechanical systems in rocket engines (primary structure, chambers, injector layout, cooling systems, pumps, actuators, etc.). The candidate will have profound technical and strategic impact necessary to guide critical methods on active programs and across the company.

Responsibilities
  • Drive the design and development of complex in-space propulsion system components and piece parts, ensuring deep system-level understanding and integration across components and system elements.
  • Design and develop components and assemblies for chemical rocket systems, including concept creation, hand calculation verification, CAD assembly design and management, BOM creation, drawing production, and collaboration with manufacturing and testing teams.
  • Translate long-term technical strategies into actionable engineering requirements for significant features and projects.
  • Take highly ambiguous propulsion challenges and distill them into pragmatic, high-quality mechanical solutions for the engineering team.
  • Act as an advisor to engineering leadership, guiding high-stakes technical decisions and shaping the company's engineering vision.
  • Cultivate a world-class engineering culture of technical excellence and collaboration, mentoring all experience levels of engineering and cross-functional teams.
  • Lead hardware through the entire "cradle-to-grave" process-from conceptual hand calcs and CAD assembly to vendor selection, assembly, and test execution and analysis.
  • Identify and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout development activities.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between external customers, internal teams, subcontractors, and cross-functional groups.


Requirements

  • B.S. or advanced degree in related engineering or technical field
  • 15+ Years of experience with mechanical systems development, demonstrating strategic and technical impact.
  • Profound expertise in mechanical design, specifically for high-pressure/high-temperature environments (valves, injectors, combustion chambers, pressure vessels, etc.).
  • Demonstrated experience in delivering rocket engine hardware architectural solutions and setting company-wide technical execution methods.
  • GD&T trained (certificate up to professional certification).
  • Expertise in CAD modeling, including components, assemblies, and drawings, in accordance with ASME Y14.100 standards.
  • Expertise in mechanical fastening designing including bolted joints and welding.
  • Expertise in engineering in space flight environmental requirements including vibration, shock, and thermal extremes.
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within team settings.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Candidate must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with FEA of mechanical components and sub-assemblies (ANSYS preferred).
  • Experience with machining and manufacturing processes for mechanical components.
  • Experience in fluid sealing design and manufacturing
  • Experience in design for Laser Powder Bed Fusion additive manufacturing.
  • Experience developing FMECA analyses.
  • Experience testing mechanical systems for space flight environments.
  • Experience with requirements management tools.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type: Exempt

Salary: $146,000-$247,000 Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Onsite in Durango, CO

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

Onsite #LI-Onsite

What You'll Love About Us

Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.

Don't meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Disclaimer: Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time, temporary, or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Recruitment Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered

Salary Description

$146,000-$247,000

About Agile Space Industries

Agile Space Industries is a company that specializes in the development of propulsion systems for small satellites. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Fullerton, California. Agile Space Industries is focused on developing innovative propulsion solutions that enable small satellites to perform complex missions. The company's products include electric propulsion systems, chemical propulsion systems, and hybrid propulsion systems. Agile Space Industries has a team of experienced engineers and scientists who are dedicated to advancing the state of the art in small satellite propulsion.
Learn more about Agile Space Industries
Size
50 employees
Industry
Net Income
-$1 million
Founded
2009
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$5 million

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