Senior Mechanical Engineer (Propulsion)

The Role

You will own the success of mechanical structures and mechanisms used for a propulsion system that will be the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown and unlock new mission concepts and increase our access to deep space. As part of a small multidisciplinary team, your role will involve mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite’s plasma propulsion system and all related hardware. In your first 6 months, you will define product requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, 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

Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware including propulsion modules, critical thruster components, the propellant management system, avionics box design, propulsion secondary structures, and potentially tank development

Validate your designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production, and successful flight demonstrations

Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents

Perform analysis on data from testing hardware, iterating designs, and critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance

Develop and execute component and system-level test plans

Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery

Continually own and refine sub-system deliverable 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

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

Experience in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration

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

Deep experience in the development and qualification of high-pressure and low-pressure fluidic components, this may include flight feed system or pressurized tanks

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

Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company

Salary 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