Senior Mechanical Engineer

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking on the ground and in the air.

Kapta is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to be responsible for full lifecycle development of electromechanical hardware for a spaceborne radar payload.

This position requires a self-driven engineer capable of working independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary startup environment. The candidate must have a demonstrated capability to apply advanced technical principles, theories and concepts. The ideal candidate must have the drive and experience to complete projects independently and on time.

Kapta Space recognizes that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds; if you bring relevant experience and the capacity to grow into this role, we encourage you to apply. The position may be structured at a junior or senior level based on the selected candidate’s strengths, with salary and benefits adjusted accordingly.

Redmond, WA, USA

USD 185k-220k / year + Equity

• You can work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to develop rugged printed circuit board systems, avionics enclosures, RF systems, power systems, and mounting solutions for use in harsh environments such as Low Earth Orbit.
• You take “Responsible Engineer” ownership of successful delivery of hardware from requirements definition and design all the way through fabrication, test and qualification.
• You can perform mechanical analysis tasks such as bolted joint analysis, modal vibration analysis, static/dynamic thermal analysis, and tolerance stack-ups.
• You’ve built hardware to pass an environmental qualification test plan (such as SMC-S-16)
• Generating organized and flexible 3D CAD is second nature to you.
• You’re familiar with making drawings per ASME Y14.5-2018
• You’re familiar with cost, schedule and performance tradeoffs of diverse fabrication technologies such as CNC machining, PCB manufacturing, 3D metal printing, Wire EDM, electroforming or injection molding.
• You can manage schedule and integration requirements for payload development and spacecraft integration to ensure on-time delivery.
• You love to learn.
• Domestic travel may be required. Foreign travel possible.

• BS, MS, or PhD in mechanical, aerospace engineering or related discipline
• Onsite role in Seattle, WA, with intermittent work travel required (less than 10%)
• 6+ years of mechanical and thermal design or equivalent experience
• Strong skills in CAD design (ex: OnShape) and Finite Element analysis (ex: Ansys)
• Experience with Electronics Packaging and PCB design
• Participate in a culture of technical excellence, innovation and ownership. Mentor junior engineers.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to clearly present technical findings and collaborate effectively across engineering functions.

• Experience with electronically-steered or phased-array radar systems, including beam-steering, calibration approaches and general space reliability.
• Experience developing RF systems hardware such as waveguide, antennas, or phase-matched cables
• Experience selecting materials such as metal alloys, plastics, finishes, lubricants, insulative materials, films, composites, tapes, adhesives, or electrical components for use in Low Earth Orbit.
• Setting up and running 3-axis or 5-axis CNC milling machines, Wire EDM machines, CMM Metrology Systems, or other advanced manufacturing/testing systems.
• Experience using Thermal Desktop, Ansys Mechanical or Ansys Ice Pak.
• An active or previously held US Government TS/SCI security clearance is considered a strong plus
• Experience in defense contracting environments or ISR/target-tracking radar missions.
• Prior work in small, fast-iteration aerospace teams.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee…