Mechanisms Launch Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mechanisms Launch Base Engineer to support the final integration, inspection, verification, and launch-site readiness of spacecraft mechanical systems and launch vehicle interface hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and document final flight inspections of spacecraft mechanisms and launch vehicle separation systems, verifying configuration, torque values, fastener installation, cleanliness, and compliance with approved engineering documentation and interface requirements.
• Execute launch vehicle separation system mechanical integration activities, including installation and verification of separation hardware, mechanical interfaces, release systems, and associated flight hardware.
• Finalize flight electrical connector mating operations, verifying connector condition, engagement, alignment, continuity, and overall interface integrity.
• Conduct mechanical and electrical verification testing of separation systems and related flight hardware, documenting results and supporting certification of launch readiness.
• Perform continuity testing, interface verification, loopback checks, and other electrical validation activities required during launch integration campaigns.
• Maintain strict Safe-to-Mate (S2M) processes and inspection requirements, including connector inspections, environmental controls, documentation, and photographic traceability.
• Support mechanism and spacecraft configuration control through final vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations.
• Review and disposition hardware discrepancies, support anomaly investigations, and provide real-time feedback on procedures, work instructions, and operational best practices.
• Carefully coordinate with launch vehicle integration teams, mission partners, operations personnel, quality representatives, and safety organizations to execute launch campaign activities.
• Maintain thorough documentation and traceability of inspections, testing, hardware configurations, and installation records required for mission certification and launch documentation packages.
• Support launch countdown activities, rehearsals, readiness reviews, and mission-critical troubleshooting efforts.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, contamination control, and operational requirements during launch site activities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience performing and documenting hardware inspections, integration activities, and torque-controlled mechanical operations.
• Direct experience working with electrical connectors, harnesses, or flight-like electrical interfaces, including continuity and functional verification.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface control documents (ICDs), specifications, and test procedures.
• Familiarity with configuration management and documentation processes in highly regulated engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical assembly techniques, hardware verification, and engineering quality standards.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience supporting aerospace, spacecraft, launch vehicle, defense, aviation, or other complex engineering hardware programs.
• Experience supporting hardware integration, test, manufacturing, commissioning, or field engineering activities in a mission-critical environment.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Direct launch-site experience supporting spacecraft or launch vehicle integration campaigns.
• Experience with spacecraft mechanisms, deployment systems, separation hardware, release systems, or comparable flight-critical devices.
• Familiarity with launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interface verification activities.
• Experience working with disconnect systems, umbilical interfaces, or other integrated launch support hardware.
• Knowledge of electrical test techniques including continuity verification, insulation resistance testing, and interface validation.
• Understanding of pyrotechnic, ordnance, or other controlled aerospace systems and associated safety protocols.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices related to aerospace structures, mechanisms, and launch integration activities.
• Experience supporting flight hardware through final integration, environmental testing, or launch operations.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, nonconformance processes, and corrective action workflows.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and inspection discipline when working with flight-critical hardware.
• Able to maintain rigorous compliance with procedures and configuration control requirements under schedule-driven conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in fast-paced operational environments.
• Sound independent judgment and decision-making during mission-critical activities.
• Able to work collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, integration, quality, and operations teams.
• Willingness to raise concerns and stop work when hardware, processes, or safety requirements are not being met.
• Adaptability and composure while working under launch campaign schedules and operational constraints.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to perform hands-on hardware operations in cleanroom, integration facility, and launch site environments.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, elevated work platforms, and other aerospace operational environments.
• Compliance with ESD, contamination control, and clean-as-you-go requirements.
• Ability to lift, carry, and manipulate hardware, tools, fixtures, and test equipment required for integration activities.
• Willingness and ability to travel to launch sites and support extended-duration launch campaigns.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and schedule shifts driven by launch operations.
• Ability to work safely in accordance with applicable safety protocols, including in proximity to hazardous operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required site access, training certifications, and operational authorizations necessary to support launch activities.