Jobs · Engineering · California

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Jobot · Mountain View, CA · 1 mo ago
On-siteEngineering$200k–$260k/yrFull-time

Job Details

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Christina Finster

What You'll Do

  • Lead the design and development of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems
  • Drive architecture decisions across spacecraft platforms and payload integrations
  • Own mechanical system development through the entire product lifecycle
  • Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses to support design decisions
  • Support environmental qualification, integration, testing, and launch preparation
  • Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, systems, and mission engineering teams
  • Mentor and guide engineers across the organization
  • Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and technical planning activities
  • Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful production and integration

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
  • 12+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience
  • Significant experience developing spacecraft, satellites, aerospace vehicles, or other highly complex hardware systems
  • Expertise in mechanical system design, structures, mechanisms, and integration
  • Strong CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Experience leading hardware development programs from concept through deployment
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
  • Proven technical leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • Experience supporting spacecraft environmental qualification testing
  • Experience with satellite constellations or commercial space programs
  • Startup or fast-paced product development experience
  • Experience mentoring and developing engineering teams
  • Familiarity with FEA, thermal analysis, and structural analysis tools

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive base salary
  • Equity/stock option package
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Flexible work environment
  • Career growth opportunities within a rapidly scaling organization

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced spacecraft mechanical systems. This individual will serve as a technical leader across multiple programs, helping define architecture, guide engineering decisions, mentor team members, and drive spacecraft development from concept through deployment.

Why Join Us?

  • Own major spacecraft systems from concept through launch
  • Help shape the future of satellite constellation development
  • Work alongside engineers from top aerospace and technology companies
  • Influence architecture decisions, not just individual components
  • Join a high-growth company with significant momentum and active flight programs
  • Competitive compensation and meaningful equity participation
  • Relocation assistance available

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
  • 12+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience
  • Significant experience developing spacecraft, satellites, aerospace vehicles, or other highly complex hardware systems
  • Expertise in mechanical system design, structures, mechanisms, and integration
  • Strong CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Experience leading hardware development programs from concept through deployment
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
  • Proven technical leadership experience

Skills

  • Leadership skills
  • Technical expertise in mechanical systems
  • Design and development experience
  • Manufacturing process knowledge
  • Project management experience

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance
  • Healthcare benefits
  • PTO and paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Flexible work environment
  • Career growth opportunities

Pay

$200,000 - $260,000 per year

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Flexible work environment
  • Career growth opportunities

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