Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft; -III

Position: Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft (I-III)
Space is a war fighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

As a Mechanical Engineer (I-II) at True Anomaly, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing the next generation of spacecraft that define the future of space security and sustainability. From LEO/GEO satellites to small sat platforms and on-orbit servicing vehicles, you will own the mechanical design of flight systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments known to engineering.

This is a rare opportunity to shape vehicle architecture from the ground up - translating mission requirements into flight-ready hardware that safeguards access to space for the U.S. and its allies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies for LEO/GEO satellites, small sat platforms, and on-orbit servicing vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, and reliability requirements.
• Assist in the development of spacecraft structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and flight hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Support the design of primary and secondary structures for launch load environments, including sine burst, random vibration, and shock, in compliance with launch vehicle ICD requirements.
• Contribute to the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies intended for on-orbit operation.
• Assist in the packaging and integration of electronics assemblies and avionics hardware within the spacecraft structure, with consideration for thermal interfaces, harness routing, and accessibility during integration and test.
• Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including structural mounting, thruster bracket design, and propellant line routing.
• Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for spacecraft components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or Solid Works.
• Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
• Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
• Assist in the development and execution of structural and mechanisms test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
• Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 1-7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
• Exposure to or coursework in spacecraft or satellite systems, including structural design, mechanisms, or space environment considerations.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or Solid Works.
• Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
• Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to launch and on-orbit environments.
• Exposure to mechanisms design, including hinges, deployment systems, actuators, or other moving assemblies.
• Familiarity with electronics packaging concepts, including thermal interface materials, harness routing, and avionics integration constraints.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience designing hardware for space or flight environments, including considerations for launch loads, thermal cycling, vacuum out gassing, and radiation.
• Familiarity with smallsat or Cube Sat platforms, including COTS component integration and mass-constrained design.
• Exposure to on-orbit servicing concepts, proximity operations vehicles, or docking and capture mechanisms.
• Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions.
• Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including thruster or tank mounting and propellant line routing.
• Familiarity with relevant spacecraft and aerospace standards (e.g.,…