Currently, we are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Research and Development to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.
Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!
Working Conditions / Schedule: This position is required to be onsite Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where applicable, employees may work remotely on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required based on business needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design parts and assemblies - including vehicle structures, electronics packaging, mechanisms and deployable structures - applying best practices in CAD for parts and assemblies to ensure robustness and reliability in complex designs.
- Perform basic loads and stress analysis (FEA and hand-calcs) to optimize parts for weight savings, and to demonstrate designed parts and assemblies to survive
anticipated loads. - Participate in the selection of materials, hardware, actuators, sensors, etc.
- Inspect and assemble hardware of various types.
- Participate in rapid prototyping efforts and test events to validate concepts quickly and cost-effectively.
- Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable NASA standards (mechanisms approaches, structural margin, tolerance stack-up, etc.).
- Prepare mechanical engineering products for milestone and safety reviews.
- Collaborate with a team of engineers in a
fast-paced environment, managing time allocations across multiple projects and ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. - Develop manufacturing plans for parts using a range of processes, including CNC milling, 3D printing, welding, turning, sheet metal bending, and water-jetting/laser cutting.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
- Proficiency in using SolidWorks for design of parts, assemblies, drawings, etc.
- Proficiency in setting up and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models and analysis results
- Proficiency in CAM and slicing software
- Proficient in creating part drawings
- Proficient in GD&T and design for manufacturing/assembly
- Prior experience maintaining CAD files/drawings in configuration management environment
- Demonstrated capability to rapidly create prototypes/proof of concepts
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and driven to meet critical deadlines
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- U.S. Person
Preferred Qualifications:
- CSWP certificate from Dassault Systems
- Proficiency in Bild, GrabCAD Workbench, Git, or similar CAD management software
- Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., HSMWorks or MasterCAM)
- Experience designing or maintaining automobiles (shop, formula, baja, track, etc.)
- Experience designing for human-factors and ergonomics
- Proficiency in prototype manufacturing techniques (CNC, welding, etc.)
- Relevant experience in technology, hardware, and/or spaceflight startup environment
- Prior experience on space programs designing mechanical hardware
- Proficiency in use of trade studies as a decision-making aid
- Prior experience in aerospace startup environment
- Relevant experience with NASA and Government customers, deliverables, reviews, and standards
- Familiarity with standard aerospace review process - MCR, PDR, CDR, etc.
Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
- Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
- Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
- Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
- Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
- Parental leave
- Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development
