R&D Engineer

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$/yr - $/yr

At Astro Forge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and with a smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity's capabilities in space.

Astro Forge is seeking a versatile and hands‑on R&D Systems Integration Engineer to bridge the gap between concept and field‑ready technology for our asteroid and terrestrial mining platforms. Working closely with our Mining Team, you will design, build, and refine complex prototypes, integrating mechanical, electrical, and optical subsystems into cohesive, high‑performance devices. This role requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and practical engineering discipline to push systems from lab benches to operational environments on Earth and in space.

• Prototype Development & Assembly:
  Build and integrate multi‑disciplinary subsystems, including robotics, optics, power delivery, and thermal management, into functional lab prototypes and progressively ruggedized field units.
• Environmental Adaptation:
  Engineer systems for extreme conditions such as microgravity, vacuum, high vibration, dust, thermal cycling, and radiation exposure. Implement design features to ensure reliability and maintainability in remote mining environments.
• Testbed & Fixture Design:
  Design, fabricate, and maintain custom test rigs, mounts, and fixtures for validating subsystem performance and full‑system functionality.
• Cross‑Disciplinary Integration:
  Collaborate with laser engineers to align optical hardware with mechanical and control subsystems; with physicists to ensure measurement fidelity; and with materials scientists to match designs to ore and regolith interaction requirements.
• Iterative Testing & Refinement:
  Conduct rigorous bench‑top and environmental testing, analyze data, and implement design improvements to meet or exceed mission requirements.
• Documentation & Configuration Control:
  Produce and maintain build documentation, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and integration procedures to ensure repeatability and traceability.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
• 3‑5 years of experience in R&D engineering, ideally within aerospace, robotics, photonics, or mining industries.
• Proven experience moving hardware from concept through to functional prototypes and field‑ready systems.

• Proficiency in CAD (Solid Works, Creo, or Fusion 360) for mechanical design and prototyping.
• Familiarity with optical system alignment, opto‑mechanical mounts, and precision positioning stages.
• Strong background in robotics hardware, including actuators, sensors, and control systems.
• Hands‑on prototyping experience with machining and electronics assembly.
• Understanding of power electronics, wiring, and signal integration in mixed‑discipline systems.
• Basic familiarity with environmental test protocols (thermal vacuum, vibration, dust ingress).
• Comfortable working in cross‑disciplinary teams under tight deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities with a pragmatic approach to iterative development.
• Clear communicator with excellent documentation habits.

At Astro Forge, you will be part of a small, high‑impact team pioneering mining systems that will operate where no human has mined before. You'll take designs from whiteboard to working hardware, contributing to technology that could redefine the future of resource acquisition—both on Earth and in the asteroid belt.

$120,000 - $160,000

• Full healthcare benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan - 401(k), with company match
• Stock options in Astro Forge

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a:

• U.S. citizen or national
• U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158
• Eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Space Research and Technology

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