Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will guide the design and prototype builds for Space Kinetic's core technology, contributing to a mission to demonstrate flight capabilities within two years. This role demands a high level of commitment and ownership, given the ambitious nature of the project.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop system and subsystem assemblies, mechanisms, and moving assemblies including linkages, gears, cams, actuators, and precision motion systems.
• Perform mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and kinematic studies to ensure reliable operation.
• Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using tools like SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX.
• Support the mechanical simulations and FEA teams by creating step files, simplified representations, and volumes to validate strength, fatigue, and functional performance.
• Design and develop prototype assemblies and test mechanisms to validate functionality and operational stability.
• Work with and support cross-functional teams including simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering.
• Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives to drive down cost and schedule.
• Prepare technical documentation, test plans, and support design reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience with focus on mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms, gear systems, cams, linkages, springs, bearings, and power transmission components.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX).
• Familiarity with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.
• Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards.
• Hands-on experience in prototype builds and mechanism troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of mechanism kinematics and dynamics.
• Experience designing high-reliability aerospace hardware.
• Ability to work in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause investigation skills.
• Experience working in fast-paced spaceflight development programs.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.

Skills

• Experience designing deployable space mechanisms.
• Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, and bearings.
• Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.
• Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards.
• Hands-on experience in prototype builds and mechanism troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of mechanism kinematics and dynamics.
• Ability to work in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause investigation skills.
• Experience working in fast-paced spaceflight development programs.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits
• ITAR Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Pay

• Annual base salary range: $109,000 - $150,000 USD

Schedule

• Onsite at headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).