Principal Mechanical Designer - Spacecraft Programs

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Own detailed mechanical CAD for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, secondary structure, brackets, harness routing accommodations, and payload mounting features
• Build and maintain large top-level Creo assemblies with strong configuration discipline: envelopes, mass properties, interference control, motion/clearance checks, access constraints, and fastener strategy
• Drive spacecraft packaging execution: volume optimization, keep-outs, service loops, access for torque/inspection, tool clearance, contamination control considerations, and integration sequence-friendly design
• Create, check, and release flight drawings (and drawing packages) with correct GD&T, material callouts, finishes, treatments, and inspection requirements (ASME Y14.5 mindset)
• Own BOM accuracy and part metadata integrity in Windchill (part lifecycle, revisioning, effectivity, serialization strategy where applicable)
• Partner with AIT to ensure designs are buildable and testable: torque access, alignment features, witness marks, datum strategy, handling points, lifting features, GSE interfaces
• Support on-site spacecraft integration: fit checks, rework disposition support, redlines-to-release, and fast iteration during build anomalies
• Provide design leadership and mentorship: define “good” CAD practices, model tree hygiene, drawing standards, and release readiness checklists
• Produce design content for PDR/CDR/production readiness reviews, including configuration views, interface snapshots, tolerance stack summaries, and assembly sequences

What It Takes

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent demonstrable work products in spacecraft/aerospace design)
• 10+ years of professional mechanical design experience in aerospace/spacecraft or similarly high-rigor hardware environments
• Expert proficiency in PTC Creo (top-down design, skeletons, family tables, interface control via publish geometry, large-assembly performance discipline)
• Strong working knowledge of Windchill release workflows and configuration control best practices
• Deep experience applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and translating intent into inspectable drawings
• Proven ability to design for manufacturability across common aerospace processes (machining, sheet metal, additive where appropriate, bonding, inserts/Heli-Coils, surface finishes)
• High ownership: you don’t just “model parts”—you drive closure through release, build, and test
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Spacecraft or launch vehicle flight hardware design experience
• Direct experience supporting AIT on the floor (MRB disposition support, as-built capture, redline control)
• Familiarity with contamination control, torque practices, workmanship standards, and aerospace fastener conventions
• Experience with mechanism packaging and clearance validation

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Be the design authority driving configuration quality on flight builds
• Impact – Your CAD decisions will ship to orbit
• Growth – Lead design execution standards across spacecraft programs
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation
• Location: Rockville, MD
• Compensation: $131,000 to $167,000 Annual Salary

Additional Requirements

• To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.