Principal Mechanical Engineer

The Role

You will own the success of the mechanical structures and mechanisms that will be key to our satellite operation. In your first 6 months, you will define mechanical requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, trade and select any purchased electromechanical subsystems, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate your designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years you will fly your hardware in space while directly supporting production and integration.

Responsibilities

Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations in order to support internal and external customer needs

Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond

Drive hardware development, including hands-on development testing, analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations

Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction

Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing

Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

10+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids

Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback

Nice to Have

Experience designing, building, and testing moving mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)

Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting

Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations

Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $185,000 – $200,000 + equity in the company

Salary and level will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks