Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mountain View,CA, US

Director

$200,000 - $260,000 per year

Our client is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced spacecraft mechanical systems. This individual will serve as a technical leader across multiple programs, helping define architecture, guide engineering decisions, mentor team members, and drive spacecraft development from concept through deployment.

This is a highly visible role with broad ownership and significant influence over both technical direction and program execution.

• Lead the design and development of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems
• Drive architecture decisions across spacecraft platforms and payload integrations
• Own mechanical system development through the entire product lifecycle
• Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses to support design decisions
• Support environmental qualification, integration, testing, and launch preparation
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, systems, and mission engineering teams
• Mentor and guide engineers across the organization
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and technical planning activities
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful production and integration

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 12+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience
• Significant experience developing spacecraft, satellites, aerospace vehicles, or other highly complex hardware systems
• Expertise in mechanical system design, structures, mechanisms, and integration
• Strong CAD experience (Solid Works preferred)
• Experience leading hardware development programs from concept through deployment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
• Proven technical leadership experience

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience supporting spacecraft environmental qualification testing
• Experience with satellite constellations or commercial space programs
• Startup or fast-paced product development experience
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering teams
• Familiarity with FEA, thermal analysis, and structural analysis tools

• Competitive base salary
• Equity/stock option package
• Relocation assistance available
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly scaling organization

We are partnering with one of the fastest-growing companies in the commercial space industry. Our client is redefining how satellite constellations are designed, built, and deployed by combining cutting-edge spacecraft technology with a mission-driven approach to delivering real-world impact from space.

Founded by industry veterans from leading aerospace and satellite organizations, the company has rapidly grown into a team of over 200 engineers, scientists, and innovators focused on building next-generation space infrastructure. Their technology is already supporting critical missions and helping accelerate the future of Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and space-based intelligence.

This is an opportunity to join a company that is actively designing, building, and launching spacecraft—not simply planning for the future.

• Own major spacecraft systems from concept through launch
• Help shape the future of satellite constellation development
• Work alongside engineers from top aerospace and technology companies
• Influence architecture decisions, not just individual components
• Join a high-growth company with significant momentum and active flight programs
• Competitive compensation and meaningful equity participation
• Relocation assistance available
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous PTO

If you're looking for a role where your work directly impacts what gets built, tested, launched, and operated in orbit, this is that opportunity.