Mechanical Engineer Manager

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing and analyzing spacecraft mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, and ground support equipment, that will ultimately operate in space. You will own parts design, perform critical analyses to ensure hardware performance and reliability in demanding environments, and create detailed CAD models and documentation. In addition, you will support assembly and testing activities and lead a small team of engineers and designers in a fast-paced, startup setting where innovation, learning from failure, and building hardware that flies are central to the culture.

Responsibilities

+ Design and draft mechanical systems for spacecraft, including structures, MGSE (mechanical ground support equipment), actuators, and mechanisms.

+ Develop detailed parts designs that meet performance, reliability, and environmental requirements for space hardware.

+ Perform analyses required to satisfy internal requirements for hardware performance, operational life, and environmental conditions such as shock, vibration, and space environments.

+ Create 3D models and comprehensive design documentation for mechanical systems using CAD tools, with a focus on Solid Works.

+ Support assembly and test activities, including performance testing and qualification in shock, vibration, and space-relevant environments.

+ Lead and manage a team of approximately 3-5 engineers and designers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day direction.

+ Collaborate closely with program managers to plan and track schedules, budgets, and timelines for mechanical engineering deliverables.

+ Contribute to a culture of rapid iteration, learning from failures, and continuous improvement in mechanical design and testing.

+ Work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines to ensure mechanical designs integrate smoothly into the overall system architecture.

+ Maintain clear documentation and communication of design decisions, test results, and analysis outcomes for internal stakeholders.

Essential Skills

+ 5+ years expierence in leadership or managment.

+ 10+ Years expierence in mechanical engineering or related field.

+ Proficiency in mechanical design and drafting for complex systems such as spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.

+ Strong experience using Solid Works for 3D modeling and mechanical design documentation.

+ Hands-on experience with mechanism design, including actuators and moving assemblies for high-reliability applications.

+ Solid understanding and practical application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for precise mechanical drawings and manufacturing.

+ Ability to perform mechanical analyses to validate hardware performance, life, and environmental suitability, including shock and vibration.

+ Experience supporting assembly and test activities for mechanical hardware in demanding environments.

+ Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and guide a small engineering and design team.

+ Effective collaboration skills to work with program managers on schedules, budgets, and timelines.

+ Strong problem-solving abilities and a willingness to iterate and learn from test outcomes and failures.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Aerospace industry experience is preferred, particularly in spacecraft or space hardware development.

+ Familiarity with mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) used for spacecraft integration and testing.

+ Background in designing hardware intended to operate in space or other extreme environments.

+ Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving requirements and priorities.

+ Ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal forms with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

+ Interest in on-orbit refueling, in-space infrastructure, or advanced space systems architectures.

Work Environment

The role is part of a close-knit team of engineers working in an open workspace where collaboration and transparency are encouraged. Leadership sits alongside the engineering team, reinforcing a hands-on, accessible culture. The guiding…