Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Help Design the Future of Reusable Satellites!

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-mode, venture-backed space startup is developing the next generation of reusable satellite platforms to transform the economics and performance of both commercial and government missions. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll lead the design and development of critical flight hardware, collaborating closely with a team of proven aerospace veterans to bring scalable, rapidly deployable satellite systems to orbit. This is a unique opportunity to own mechanical systems from early concept through flight, all while helping define a new standard in satellite reusability.

About Us

We’re building breakthrough satellite platforms that are designed from the ground up to be reusable, modular, and mission-adaptable. With deep technical leadership from prior roles at top-tier aerospace companies, our team is redefining what it means to build and operate space vehicles. Backed by world-class investors, our mission is to bring flexibility, performance, and cost efficiency to space missions across domains, from national security to in-space servicing to next-gen communications.

Job Duties

• Design mechanical and structural systems for space vehicles, including enclosures, deployables, and avionics integration
• Perform hand calculations and FEA to verify strength, thermal performance, and structural margins
• Collaborate closely with thermal, avionics, and propulsion engineers to ensure end-to-end system compatibility
• Develop engineering drawings, specs, and documentation for flight hardware
• Support prototyping, test campaigns, and flight assembly for new spacecraft systems
• Optimize for mass, manufacturability, and environmental loads throughout the vehicle lifecycle
• Participate in hardware integration and hands-on build efforts in a rapid development environment
• Evaluate material selection, fasteners, bonding techniques, and structural interfaces
• Contribute to system-level trades and support spacecraft-level design reviews

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field)
• 5 years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ideally with flight hardware
• Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools for mechanical design and structural analysis
• Demonstrated ability to take systems from concept to flight
• Experience with lightweight structures, precision tolerances, and harsh environment constraints

Preferred Experience

• M.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Prior experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware
• Knowledge of deployable systems, solar panel structures, or thermal/mechanical interface design
• Familiarity with design for reusability, modularity, or in-orbit servicing
• Hands-on experience with integration, test, and flight qualification
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, startup-style environment with cross-functional teams

Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

• Join a stealth-stage team developing real flight hardware with meaningful applications
• Collaborate with aerospace leaders building what’s next in reusable satellite platforms
• Take ownership over systems that go to space and come back
• Grow with a team that values autonomy, technical depth, and innovation
• Equity options
• Competitive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Flat org structure with real engineering ownership
• Mission-driven team with top-tier backing

Compensation Details

$120,000 - $150,000 plus equity