Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and analyzing deployable systems and spaceflight hardware, with a particular emphasis on high-strain composite structures for satellites and lunar surface applications. You will work across the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and detailed design through prototyping, qualification, and production, contributing directly to hardware that launches and operates in space.

Responsibilities

+ Design and analyze deployable systems and mechanisms for spaceflight applications, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

+ Develop structural components and mechanisms from initial drawings through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and production release.

+ Create and maintain detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using Solid Works, applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to define precise manufacturing requirements.

+ Support hardware assembly and integration by performing hands-on mechanical work in the lab and manufacturing areas.

+ Test and validate components and assemblies intended for spaceflight, including planning, executing, and documenting test activities.

+ Contribute to the design and optimization of deployable space structures made from high-strain composite materials that fold or roll for compact packaging and deploy in space.

+ Collaborate with in-house composites manufacturing and mechanical assembly teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.

+ Participate in cradle-to-grave product development, taking concepts through design, build, test, and delivery for launch.

+ Troubleshoot mechanical issues in prototypes and production hardware and implement design improvements.

+ Document engineering work thoroughly, including design decisions, test results, and configuration changes.

Essential Skills

+ At least 5 years of experience as a mechanical engineer or in a closely related engineering role.

+ Proficiency with Solid Works for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.

+ Strong working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and its application to mechanical drawings and inspection.

+ Experience designing deployable structures or mechanisms, particularly for aerospace or spacecraft applications.

+ Background in spacecraft or spaceflight hardware design, including understanding of relevant environmental and performance constraints.

+ Ability to perform hands-on mechanical work to support hardware assembly, integration, and test in lab or manufacturing environments.

+ Experience testing and validating mechanical components and assemblies for demanding environments such as spaceflight.

+ Strong understanding of structural mechanics and materials as applied to lightweight, high-performance structures.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with high-strain composite structures, especially thin composite elements that can be folded or rolled for deployment.

+ Familiarity with the design and behavior of composite materials compared with metals in space environments.

+ Experience supporting cradle-to-grave product development, from concept through production and delivery.

+ Background in in-house manufacturing environments, including close collaboration with composites fabrication and mechanical assembly teams.

+ Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment.

+ Strong documentation and communication skills to clearly convey design intent, test results, and technical decisions.

Work Environment

You will work in a combination of office and manufacturing environments, splitting time between design activities at a workstation and hands-on work in labs and production areas. All composites manufacturing and mechanical assembly take place in-house, giving you direct access to the equipment, processes, and teams that build and integrate the hardware you design. The work centers on deployable space structures for satellites and lunar surface applications, with a focus on high-strain composite systems that can be compactly packaged and reliably deployed in space.

You will be involved in the full lifecycle of the hardware, from concept and design through manufacturing, assembly, test, and delivery for launch.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Loveland, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.29 - $67.31/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this…