Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer (Aerospace): Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware including propulsion modules, thruster components, propellant management system, avionics boxes, and secondary structures with an accent on full lifecycle validation from concept to production and flight. Focus on generating 3D models and drawings, performing analysis on test data, developing test plans, managing vendors, and iterating designs for performance.

Location: Los Angeles, CA (onsite). U.S. Person required (ITAR compliance).

Salary: $100,000 - $140,000 + equity

Company

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

What you will do

• Own mechanical design of propulsion hardware including modules, thrusters, propellant systems, avionics, structures, and potentially tanks.
• Generate 3D models, dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents.
• Validate designs through concept, analysis, testing, production, and flight demonstrations.
• Analyze test data, iterate designs, and make go/no-go decisions on hardware performance.
• Develop and execute component and system-level test plans.
• Manage propulsion vendors and suppliers through delivery while refining schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or relevant engineering.
• 3+ years experience with mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis.
• Experience with CAD or FEA software.
• Practical application of GD&T and proficiency in mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, fluids.
• Ability to design, build, test hardware from scratch, troubleshoot, and iterate based on feedback.
• Experience owning mechanical hardware in integrated engineering teams.
• U.S. Person status per ITAR (citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual).

Nice to have

• Experience in advanced propulsion technologies like high-performance engines or in-space systems.
• Designing, building, testing aerospace mechanical assemblies (satellites, payloads, launch vehicles).
• Deep experience with high/low-pressure fluidic components or pressurized tanks.
• Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes in space environments.
• Experience with production tooling or high-volume product design.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced Series C space startup environment with multidisciplinary teams.
• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Equity in the company.
• Multiple launches planned through 2026-2027.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and motivated individuals.