Senior Mechanical Engineer

Colossus is bringing the computer revolution to space. Our goal is to take the last 30+ years of development in terrestrial computing to orbit. Colossus technology enables satellites to operate autonomously, facilitating instant Earth intelligence, satellite servicing, new modes of scientific exploration, and more. We touch every layer of the engineering design, from silicon to software to build solutions for the harsh environment of space.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for all aspects of mechanical and thermal designs  will design new enclosures for our flight and development units and their test fixtures, perform or supervise thermal simulation, write test plans and other documentation, and execute those tests with our team. You will work with the rest of the team to determine the product roadmap and technical requirements, and execute the design.

Working alongside you will be multiple electrical engineers, our manufacturing and test engineer, and even our software engineering team. This is a full-time position.

While Colossus is a remote-first company, this position will require significant in-person work at Colossus’ headquarters in Oakland, CA. We trust our team members to work in the location that suits them best. This might mean that you spend weeks working remotely doing design work or documentation, followed by weeks of working from the office in the lab and running tests.

Some folks prefer to work from an office full time, and we support that as well.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, people from underrepresented groups tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Colossus, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check all the boxes.

• Take multiple mechanical projects from start to finish
• Work with a cross-functional team to determine specifications and design constraints
• Design enclosures and their thermal solutions, primarily milled aluminum for flight and folded sheet metal for development units
• Design other mechanical systems, such as manufacturing and testing fixtures
• Use special materials for radiation shielding
• Lead cross-functional reviews of mechanical designs, including electrical, thermal, manufacturing, and test
• Meet with customers to provide technical support and support sales efforts
• Meet with vendors and FAEs to explore cutting-edge technologies
• Write bring-up and test plans, then execute them, and document the results
• Write up assembly instructions, and work with Manufacturing to maintain quality
• Help our Documentation Manager write user guides, interface control documents (ICDs), and other customer documentation
• Minimal travel may be required to support our customers (≤10%)
• Taking several products from a napkin sketch through CAD design, DFA, DFM, DFx, detailed drawings, simulation, fabrication, and test
• Managing production at vendors and handling supply chain issues
• Designing enclosures using both CNC milling and folded sheet metal
• Familiarity with surface treatments and coatings such as anodizing and alodine coating, and parylene
• Working with thermal solutions, specifically conduction-cooling technologies such as heat-pipes
• Simulation and modeling of thermal effects, either performed directly or by a contractor under supervision
• Working with electrical engineers to develop board outline and mechanical specifications
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• (bonus) Designing high reliability systems, ideally for the space industry
• (bonus) Experience with GEVS 7000 or similar environmental test specs for launch

We are curious. We’re the kids who took apart appliances on the kitchen table. We have to understand how everything works. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in. Let’s try to have a little fun along the way, too.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HRA for mental health and FSA
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Flexible working hours and location
• Unlimited PTO that we encourage you to take

We have standardized compensation across all roles and locations. Everyone makes $160,000 USD, with regular updates and bonuses tied to the company’s success.