Senior Mechanisms Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Senior Mechanisms Engineer (Aerospace): Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations with an accent on design reviews, hardware development, testing, and analysis correlation. Focus on performing hardware trades, kinematic synthesis, electromechanical actuation, and ensuring reliability in space environments.

Los Angeles, CA. Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or certain protected individuals).

$140,000 - $175,000 + equity

Company

Building the largest and highest-power satellites for LEO to deep space missions, backed by $450M from leading investors and $500M in contracts.

What you will do

• Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and on-orbit operations.
• Drive hardware development including hands-on testing, analysis correlation, and iterations.
• Perform hardware trades to steer sub-system and product direction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on requirements, processes, and best practices.
• Own system deliverables and schedules throughout development and production.
• Define mechanism requirements, build prototypes, perform analysis, and qualify flight hardware.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years experience with mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis.
• Experience with CAD or FEA software.
• Experience designing, building, and testing moving mechanical assemblies for aerospace (satellites, payloads, launch vehicles, etc.).
• Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000 for in-space mechanisms.
• Experience with kinematic synthesis, electromechanical actuation, mechatronics, bearing analysis, preload techniques, and GD&T.
• Demonstrated ability to own mechanisms across full lifecycle in high-velocity environment.
• Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes in space.
• Independent mindset with strong communication skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with instrumentation.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Equity in the company.
• Fast-paced startup environment focused on groundbreaking space tech.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths.