Mechanical Engineer; reflect deployment

Compensation: $90,000–$180,000 USD annually, plus equity

About the Company

Our client is a well-funded space technology company building spacecraft systems designed to extend solar energy availability beyond daylight hours.

About the Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, test, and qualify the deployment hardware for a spacecraft reflector.

This role focuses on the mechanisms that ensure the reflector survives launch, deploys correctly once in space, and operates reliably on orbit. The successful candidate will own complex mechanical systems from early concept through flight-ready delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop reflector deployment mechanisms for spacecraft applications.
• Own hardware through concept development, CAD design, prototyping, testing, qualification, manufacturing, and spacecraft integration.
• Design deployable structures, hinges, latches, actuators, motion systems, structural interfaces, and precision mechanical assemblies.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Evaluate structural performance, vibration, reliability, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing requirements.
• Ensure hardware can withstand launch loads, operate in the space environment, and deploy reliably in orbit.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and cross-functional engineering teams to solve design and integration challenges.
• Deliver practical, robust hardware under ambitious development timelines.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on CAD experience using Solid Works, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, Fusion 360, or similar.
• Experience owning complex mechanisms, deployable structures, motion systems, or precision mechanical assemblies.
• Strong understanding of materials, tolerances, fasteners, structural design, vibration, manufacturing, and reliability.
• Spacecraft deployment, satellite, or aerospace mechanism experience is highly preferred.
• Strong candidates from robotics, aerospace, drones, medical devices, Formula 1, automotive, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing may also be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering is strongly preferred.