Mechanism Engineer- Assembly, Integration & Test- Western Texas

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) to join a high‑impact team supporting the design, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms for a next‑generation satellite constellation. This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical
, focused on deployment systems and precision mechanisms (rather than static structures or analysis‑only work).

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, HDRMs, release devices, and deployable booms/arms with thousands of moving parts per satellite.
• Perform hands‑on mechanical integration and inspection on the factory floor alongside technicians.
• Develop and operate ground support equipment (GSE) for vibration, shock, and thermal‑vacuum (TVAC) testing of deployment hardware.
• Perform tolerance stack‑up analysis to ensure alignment, prevent binding, and enable clean, reliable deployment of moving assemblies.
• Calculate and verify torque margins, hinge preload, and separation forces for deployment actuators and release systems.
• Analyze test data and define pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft‑level integration, launch, and on‑orbit support.
• Troubleshoot deployment anomalies and perform root‑cause failure investigations; drive corrective actions and design/process improvements for mechanisms that do not deploy cleanly.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with structures, avionics, harness, AOCS, solar, quality, and production teams to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment.

• 3–10+ years of hands‑on experience with aerospace mechanisms, deployment systems, or precision moving assemblies (structures‑only or stress‑analysis‑only backgrounds will not suffice).
• Proven experience assembling, integrating, and testing deployable space hardware.
• Strong understanding of beam loading and bending moments as they apply to deployable systems, plus torque margin, hinge preload, and tolerance stack‑ups in moving assemblies.
• Ability to discuss real‑world deployment failure modes and corrective actions taken on flight or qualification hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (Solid Works, Creo) and common test equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills with the ability to lead failure investigations.
• Flexibility for occasional weekend and early‑morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployment operations).

• Salary Range: ~$85,000–$100,000 for mid‑level engineers, $100,000–$140,000+ for senior engineers (
  ** based on experience**)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays
• Additional Benefits: $10K relocation assistance/ bonus + temp housing assistance, RSUs: 750-5000, monthly stipend: $750-$1000, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Location: 100% onsite in Western TX

Mechanisms Engineer, AIT, Aerospace, Satellite Integration, CAD, Creo, Solid Works, Thermal Vacuum Testing, Vibration Testing, Ground Support Equipment, Test Engineering, Spacecraft, Cube Sat, Launch Operations, Agile, Manufacturing, Space Tech