Senior Mechanical Engineer III- Spacecraft Mechanisms

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer III
- Spacecraft Mechanisms

Location: Leander, TX

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Compensation: $130k- $165k/Year

Schedule: 40 Hours/Week

Acara Solutions is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own spacecraft mechanisms through the full product lifecycle-from requirements and concept development through design, analysis, testing, qualification, and flight integration. The role focuses on critical moving assemblies including deployables, actuators, landing legs, latches, hinges, and separation systems.

• Own development of spacecraft mechanisms from requirements and concept development through qualification and flight.
• Lead trade studies, conceptual design, mechanism sizing, kinematics, structural analysis, and FEA/FEM.
• Develop 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation using Siemens NX.
• Design and analyze metallic and composite structures, including material selection, manufacturing methods, and structural failure modes.
• Define and execute development, qualification, acceptance, and functional testing; interpret thermal and vibration test results.
• Apply GD&T, tribology, bearing selection, lubrication, mechanism life, and margin analysis.
• Develop instrumentation and test setups to validate designs and analysis assumptions.
• Lead design reviews and coordinate with suppliers, customers, manufacturing, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Manage technical schedules and budgets and provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5 years minimum of aerospace or related mechanical engineering experience.
• 5 years minimum designing and sizing motors for spacecraft applications.
• 5 years minimum using FEA/FEM tools such as Nastran, ANSYS, or FEMAP.

• Experience designing and analyzing composite and metallic structures.
• Experience with 3D CAD, preferably Siemens NX.
• Strong understanding of first-principles engineering across mechanical, structural dynamics, materials, fluids/thermodynamics, and electrical disciplines.
• Working knowledge of aerospace structural analysis methods and standards, including Bruhn, Niu, Roark, and Shigley's.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or another scripting language.
• Direct experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle mechanisms, including deployables, landing legs, separation systems, latches, hinges, or actuators.
• Experience with aerospace mechanism testing, instrumentation, and thermal/vibration testing.
• Working knowledge of tribology, bearings, lubrication, mechanism life, and margin analysis.
• Experience with composite manufacturing and testing.
• Hands-on prototyping or basic machine shop experience.
• Engineering or project leadership experience.

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and drug screen.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), all employees assigned to this client must provide documentation verifying their status as a 'U.S. Person,' as defined in ITAR clause 120.15. A U.S. Person is a protected individual under the anti-discrimination provisions of U.S. immigration laws.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, Talent Rise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.