Mechanical Manager

About the role

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Working at Katalyst

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the Mechanical Engineering organization spanning robotics, bus design, arrays and other space mechanisms
• Own execution across multiple spacecraft mechanical development efforts
• Establish engineering standards and best practices
• Mentor engineers across all experience levels
• Drive architecture and major technical decisions
• Balance schedule, cost, manufacturability, and technical risk
• Coordinate closely with Systems, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Test
• Lead design reviews and technical risk assessments
• Build a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement
• Support integration, qualification, environmental testing, and flight readiness
• Remove roadblocks for engineering teams while maintaining accountability

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace or complex hardware development
• 3–5+ years leading engineering teams
• Extensive spacecraft or aerospace structural/mechanical design experience
• Strong CAD and GD&T expertise
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes
• Experience leading qualification and environmental testing
• Strong mechanical fundamentals and systems engineering intuition
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts
• Experience making high-consequence engineering decisions and tradeoffs

Preferred Background

• Flight hardware ownership from concept through launch
• Startup or rapid-development environment
• Experience managing multiple simultaneous programs
• Experience hiring and developing engineering talent
• Familiarity with propulsion systems, thermal systems, avionics integration, optics, or deployable structures
• Familiarity with robotics designed for a space environment
• Experience establishing engineering processes and design standards
• Experience designing and implementing space mechanisms
• Experience designing for launch environments and qualification

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this role is $139,000 - $225,000 annually. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Unlimited Paid Time Off