Senior Mechanical Assurance Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Senior Mechanical Assurance Engineer (Aerospace): Translate system and customer needs into mechanical requirements, risk assessments, and test plans with an accent on GD&T compliance, material/process qualification, and supplier management. Focus on leading nonconformance investigations, auditing suppliers, developing quality metrics, and ensuring AS9100/AS9145 alignment in a high-stakes space hardware environment.

Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR/export control regulations. Onsite in Los Angeles, CA.

Salary: $130,000 - $185,000 + equity

Company

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

What you will do

• Translate system needs into mechanical requirements, risk assessments, and test plans.
• Review models, drawings, and tolerance stacks for fit, function, and GD&T compliance.
• Collaborate on material selection, qualification, work instructions, and inspection plans using SPC/MSA.
• Lead nonconformance management, corrective actions, supplier audits, and APQP/PPAP processes.
• Develop quality metrics, predict risks, and represent team in customer audits.
• Align with AS9100/AS9145 standards while improving QMS efficiency.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (MS preferred) and 7+ years experience leading projects independently.
• Depth in mechanical commodities: structures, mechanisms, propulsion hardware, machined parts, GSE.
• Strong fundamentals: GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFMEA/PFMEA, SPC/MSA, RCCA/8D/FRACAS, MRB leadership.
• Familiar with AS9100/AS9145/APQP, PLM/MES (e.g., Teamcenter), Jira.
• Able to obtain security clearance if required.
• U.S. Person status for ITAR compliance.

Nice to have

• NADCAP experience (heat treat, coatings, welding, NDI/NDT).
• Fracture/fatigue analysis, material allowables.
• Supplier development, GIDEP/DLA experience.
• APQP/PPAP leadership in aerospace/defense.
• Launch vehicle, space systems, UAVs, or defense experience.
• Building quality systems in startups (0→1).

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Equity in the company.
• Fast-paced startup environment thriving on innovation and speed.
• Multiple launches planned through 2026-2027.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and diverse teams.