About the Company

A thriving economy in space is needed to make life on Earth more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable. Space technology will enable global access to information, solutions to climate change, answers to global food security, products that transform healthcare, clean energy production, and more. Today, rocket launch options are slow, expensive, and unreliable. Our client is building the world’s most efficient fully and rapidly reusable rocket designed to fly daily that will radically increase access to space and open up the space economy to safeguard our precious home, Earth.

This position is based in Kent, WA. More company details will be shared during an initial call.

About the Role

Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust ground system is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a design engineer for ground mechanical systems, you will be responsible for supporting GSE and test structure design for our client's test site in Moses Lake, WA and our launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. While the role will be based out of Kent, WA, there will be some travel to both sites. You will be responsible for all phases of the product lifecycle including architecture definition, component selection, detailed mechanical design, component procurement, integration, commissioning, and operations. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can’t be matched in most other roles. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain interface requirements and performance requirements for the ground mechanisms in coordination with the launch vehicle development team.
• Develop mechanism conceptual architecture and kinematic layout to implement functional requirements.
• Mechanical and structural design of vehicle primary structure qualification rig.
• Perform analysis to size mechanism components for launch vehicle transportation, handling, hold-down and release, umbilical retraction, and other critical applications.
• Specify and select components from vendors, then manage the procurement process.
• Design components and routed systems, from initial layout through detailed component design, and create CAD models and drawings using Siemens NX.
• Support technicians with mechanical installation and integration of your designs, both with engineering oversight and hands-on assembly as needed.
• Develop the test plan for commissioning and activation of your systems, and execute the testing in coordination with the launch site development and operations team.
• Conduct test and launch operations on console in an engineering support and/or operational role.
• Continuously maintain and improve the design configuration and physical configuration of the system throughout ongoing operations and maintenance.

Requirements

• 3 years of experience in a related role working on hydraulic systems and mechanisms in an aerospace or similar high-performance application (oil & gas, heavy equipment, energy systems, etc.)
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of mechanical design, kinematics, rotating and sliding joints, and material selection
• Proficient with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferred)
• Knowledge of the working principles of common mechanism components such as piston actuators, plain and rolling-element bearings, linkage mechanisms, hydraulic pumps, and electric motors
• Ability to prioritize and execute
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to lead
• Ability to follow
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar field.

Compensation

Level Targets:

• Level 3 Range: $125,600 - $188,300
• Level 4 Range: $153,000 - $230,000

Our client’s job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and they make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefit Highlights

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Equity in a fully funded space startup
• Working in Seattle, WA – home to a growing space economy and global cuisine, arts, and culture with easy access to the beauty and adventure of the Pacific Northwest!
• Access to retirement savings plan – 401(k) with employer match
• Generous paid time off and schedule flexibility plus 10 paid holidays featuring an end of year shut down between Christmas and New Years
• Employee Assistance Program for mental health, stress management, legal, financial support, travel etc.
• Paid Parental Leave for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Dog-friendly environment, free parking, and an onsite gym coming soon!

ITAR Requirement

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job. Learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

About AdAstra

AdAstra's mission is building thriving teams within elite aerospace organizations.

Our commitment is to curate and close premier talent for our partners, achieved via specialized technical screening, personalized culture assessment, and high-touch candidate engagement. We are motivated to foster boundless team satisfaction and catalyze innovation for future generations, enabling inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars.

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