Payloads Integration Engineer; NASA LTVS Contingent

Join to apply for the Payloads Integration Engineer (NASA LTVS Contingent) role at Astrolab

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi‑purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world‑class team.

Department: Vehicle Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Alastiar Valentine
Compensation: $125,000 - $170,000 / year

• Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS program.

• Integration:
  Own the integration of full payload systems, interfacing with avionics and software teams to ensure payloads are mounted, harnesses are correctly routed, and components are functional from the design and through proto‑qualification.
• Design and Analysis:
  Develop flight payload structures, understand packaging constraints, necessary vehicle placement, and proximity to other system components and payloads. Conduct thermal, structural, and vibration analysis using FEA tools (e.g., FEMAP, Ansys, NASTRAN) and perform first‑order analysis and hand calculations.
• Prototyping and Testing:
  Lead the design, fabrication, and assembly of payload structural assemblies. Develop and execute test plans for environmental qualification, including TVAC, vibration, shock, acoustic, and EMI testing.
• Materials Selection:
  Select appropriate materials and processes for payload assemblies, considering factors such as mass, thermal properties, and resistance to radiation, EMI, and out gassing in a vacuum environment.
• Documentation:
  Create and maintain detailed design documentation, including 3D models, 2D drawings, and test reports.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with electrical engineers, manufacturing teams, and program managers to ensure designs meet all performance, schedule, and cost requirements.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  3+ years of experience in satellite, spacecraft, or similar complex system integration.

• FEA Expertise:
  Proficient in finite element analysis (FEA) software for thermal and structural analysis.
• CAD Proficiency:
  Strong skills in 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, Solid Works, Creo).
• Knowledge of Materials:
  In‑depth knowledge of materials used in aerospace, including aluminum alloys, composites, and thermal interface materials.
• Testing:
  Demonstrated experience with spacecraft hardware and tooling.
• Cleanroom Procedures:
  Familiarity with working in cleanroom environments and following strict contamination control protocols.
• Payload and Instrumentation:
  Experience with specific types of payloads (e.g., optical sensors, communication antennas, scientific instruments).

• Knowledge of launch vehicle and range safety requirements.
• Experience with configuration management and quality assurance processes in a space environment.
• Experience with wiring harness design and production.
• Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for test automation and data analysis are a plus.

• Join a team of best‑in‑class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration.
• Equity ownership in the company.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Flexible PTO and parental leave.
• Home office set‑up reimbursement.
• Fully flexible and remote‑friendly work environment.
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on‑site.
• Twice a month, social hour on‑site with food and drinks.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level |

Employment type:

Full‑time | Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology | Industries:
Defense and Space Manufacturing