Mechanical Engineer (I/II)

About the role

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Engineer will contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and thermal subsystems, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, through all stages of the product lifecycle.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft sub-systems including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies in accordance with industry best practices.
• Perform vehicle and sub-system analysis using hand calculations, finite element tools, and other relevant techniques to support robust early-stage design.
• Create and maintain design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
• Generate technical content in support of internal and external design reviews.
• In coordination with Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams, support development of spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
• Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to refine production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols to support efficient initial production.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, automation, and production personnel to implement design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly best practices.
• Stay current with advancements in technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, and apply this knowledge to enhance spacecraft design and performance.
• Support process development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 0+ years (Associate Engineer - level 1) of experience designing mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar engineering sector.
• 2+ years (Engineer - level 2) of experience designing mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar engineering sector.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
• Ability to interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Hands-on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a collaborative engineering environment.
• Passion for space technology and a commitment to contributing to innovative engineering solutions.
• Military service or eligibility for a DoD security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience supporting product development across multiple stages of the product lifecycle.
• Experience in a production environment within the space or aerospace industry.

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) Match.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave.