Mechanical Engineer

About Us

Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system.

Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.

Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system.

Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.

The Mechanical team at Samara is seeking a mechanical engineer to support the design, analysis, build, and testing of next‑generation spacecraft at our headquarters in San Francisco. You’ll work closely with experienced mechanical and electrical engineers, gaining exposure to spacecraft structures, mechanisms, solar arrays, ground support equipment, and environmental testing in a fast‑paced startup environment.

• Design, analyze, procure, assemble, and test satellite structures, mechanisms, and solar arrays.
• Identify loads, interface, and functional requirements at the component‑and‑systems‑level.
• Select materials and mechanical components suitable for space environments.
• Incorporate design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features.
• Contribute to and help define high‑level spacecraft architecture.
• Collaborate with the electrical engineering team to successfully integrate avionics and wiring harnesses.
• Perform mechanical and/or thermal analysis of spacecraft systems.
• Generate manufacturing drawings, manage BOMs, and source components.
• Participate in hands‑on prototyping, building and testing of spacecraft components.
• Assist in the development sub‑assembly and vehicle level environmental test plans (launch vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
• Design ground support equipment including assembly jigs, test fixtures, and mass offload systems.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams for successful vehicle integration.
• Assist in the expansion and improvement of Samara manufacturing, environmental test, and vehicle integration facilities.
• Identify ways to improve operational efficiency.

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years of spacecraft mechanical design and integration (or equivalent) experience.
• Proficiency in computer aided design (CAD) software of choice, NX preferred.
• Experience with structural and thermal hand calculations and analysis (FEA experience preferred…