TCA Mechanical Design Engineer Level 1About the Role:
We are seeking a TCA Mechanical Design Engineer Level 1 who is eager to build depth in manufacturing processes, tooling design, and specialized fabrication methodologies for rocket engine injector, combustion chamber, and nozzle development. The ideal candidate pairs a strong mechanical engineering foundation with hands-on shop and lab experience from internships, co-ops, or student design-build-test teams. This is a real ownership role from day one: you will own TCA hardware through rapid design/build/test cycles, with senior TCA engineers to learn from. You will work closely with propulsion, structures, thermal, materials and processes, manufacturing, and test operations. This position is located onsite in
Kent, WA.
Responsibilities:- Own end-to-end TCA hardware lifecycle from requirements through manufacturing to flight qualification
- Lead mechanical design optimized for manufacturability, applying physics-based analysis - hand calculations, thermal and structural FEA, and tolerance stack-ups
- Implement advanced manufacturing techniques: additive manufacturing, precision CNC machining, EDM, and specialized joining (e.g. laser welding, vacuum brazing, diffusion bonding)
- Design tooling, fixtures, and work-holding solutions for rapid development and repeatable production
- Develop and qualify manufacturing process parameters for novel materials and geometries
- Plan and execute hotfire test campaigns, analyze results, and lead rapid redesign efforts balancing performance with manufacturing constraints
- Release production-ready models, drawings, specifications, and release documentation
- Work directly with machinists, welders, and technicians on the shop floor to close the loop between design intent and what actually gets built
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering
- 1+ years of experience in mechanical design for rocket engine or comparable high-performance hardware. Internships, co-ops, and competition or research team experience count.
- Strong mechanical design proficiency with DFM/DFA emphasis, leading to hands-on fabrication, assembly or component manufacturing experience
- Proficiency with 3D CAD (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo), structural analysis tools, and creating engineering drawings to ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
- Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, 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
Preferred Qualifications:- 2+ years of experience with rocket engine TCA hardware, including component lifecycle ownership through production
- Hands-on experience with CNC machining, welding/brazing, or additive manufacturing
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) experience
- Precision machining knowledge: 5-axis CNC, high-speed machining, Swiss machining
- Specialized joining expertise: vacuum brazing, electron beam/laser welding, friction stir welding
- Tooling design: fixtures, EDM electrodes, CMM/welding fixtures
- Ansys Mechanical, Fluent, or Thermal Desktop experience
- Master's degree in an engineering discipline
- Leadership role on a student rocketry, Formula SAE, or similar design-build-test team
- Willingness to spend regular time on the shop floor and at the test stand, including occasional off-hours work during test campaigns
- Experience at a fast-moving, hardware-focused startup or early-stage program
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$100,000 - $150,000 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.
