We’re representing a cutting-edge, venture-backed space technology startup at the forefront of redefining how the United States approaches space superiority and missile defense.

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This isn’t another incremental aerospace program, it’s an opportunity to help shape an entirely new class of space systems, enabling rapid, low-cost payload deployment without traditional propulsion.

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This organization is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to take a core electromechanical deployment system from prototype to flight readiness.

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The Role

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As Lead Mechanical Engineer, you’ll play a central role in developing and validating the next-generation structural systems enabling responsive space access. You’ll guide the analysis, design, and testing of mechanical subsystems within a fast-paced, high-intensity prototyping environment.

This is a hands-on, technical leadership position requiring both analytical rigor and creative problem-solving. You’ll define environments, perform advanced simulations, lead mechanical design, and ensure structural integrity through test and validation.

Your day-to-day will involve:

• Leading the structural analysis, design, and validation of the spacecraft’s electromechanical deployment system.
• Performing detailed mechanical simulations, including static, modal, dynamic, and thermal analysis.
• Defining and interpreting test environments, vibration, shock, acoustic, and thermal.
• Guiding design trade studies, materials selection, and mass optimization across vehicle structures.
• Coordinating closely with electrical, software, and test teams to ensure system-level integration.
• Driving test campaigns and correlating finite element models with experimental results.
• Mentoring engineers and helping establish best practices in advanced analysis and design.

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You’ll thrive in ambiguity, move quickly, and bring structure and discipline to a rapidly evolving engineering environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-performance mechanical systems design and analysis (fewer with advanced degrees).
• Deep expertise in structural mechanics, including composites, fatigue, fracture, and finite element methods.
• Proven ability to correlate analysis with test data and lead spacecraft-level structural campaigns.
• Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills and comfort leading within small, fast-moving teams.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (required for export control).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

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Preferred experience:

• Analysis of 3D-printed or additively manufactured structures.
• Structural analysis of composite materials and bonded joints.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples).
• Proficiency with Ansys or equivalent FEA tools.

Ready to Build What’s Next?

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Join a team that’s redefining how space systems are designed and deployed, creating breakthrough mechanical technology that will shape the next era of orbital capability and national defense.

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