Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Kapta Space is a VC-funded startup focused on Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology includes a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for earth observation and advanced defense missions. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of electromechanical hardware for our spaceborne radar payload.

Responsibilities

• Develop rugged printed circuit board systems, avionics enclosures, RF systems, power systems, and mounting solutions for harsh environments like Low Earth Orbit.
• Take ownership of successful delivery of hardware from requirements definition to fabrication, test, and qualification.
• Perform mechanical analysis tasks such as bolted joint analysis, modal vibration analysis, static/dynamic thermal analysis, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Generate organized and flexible 3D CAD designs.
• Manage schedule and integration requirements for payload development and spacecraft integration to ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to develop robust printed circuit board systems, avionics enclosures, RF systems, power systems, and mounting solutions for use in harsh environments such as Low Earth Orbit.
• Set up and run 3-axis or 5-axis CNC milling machines, Wire EDM machines, CMM Metrology Systems, or other advanced manufacturing/testing systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in mechanical, aerospace engineering or related discipline.
• 6+ years of mechanical and thermal design or equivalent experience.
• Strong skills in CAD design (e.g., OnShape) and Finite Element analysis (e.g., Ansys).
• Experience with Electronics Packaging and PCB design.
• Experience with electronically-steered or phased-array radar systems, including beam-steering, calibration approaches, and general space reliability.
• Experience developing RF systems hardware such as waveguide, antennas, or phase-matched cables.
• Experience selecting materials such as metal alloys, plastics, finishes, lubricants, insulative materials, films, composites, tapes, adhesives, or electrical components for use in Low Earth Orbit.
• Experience using Thermal Desktop, Ansys Mechanical or Ansys IcePak.
• Experience in defense contracting environments or ISR/target-tracking radar missions.
• Prior work in small, fast-iteration aerospace teams.

Qualifications

• Active or previously held US Government TS/SCI security clearance is considered a strong plus.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, with ability to clearly present technical findings and collaborate effectively across engineering functions.

Benefits

• Competitive equity grants that reward innovation, impact, and long-term growth.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this role reflects base pay only and is influenced by a variety of factors. Actual offers may vary based on—though not limited to—a candidate’s experience, education or training, specialized expertise, and the needs of the business. In addition to base pay, full-time roles include competitive equity grants that reward innovation, impact, and long-term growth.

Schedule

Onsite role in Seattle, WA, with intermittent work travel required (less than 10%). Domestic travel may be required. Foreign travel possible.