Principal Mechanical Engineer

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

• 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
• Experience with spacecraft and satellite development
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Benefits

• Relocation assistance
• Healthcare benefits
• PTO and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunities for career growth