Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the full lifecycle development of electromechanical hardware for a spaceborne radar payload. This role requires a self-driven individual who can work independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop rugged printed circuit board systems, avionics enclosures, RF systems, power systems, and mounting solutions for use in harsh environments such as Low Earth Orbit
• Take “Responsible Engineer” ownership of successful delivery of hardware from requirements definition and design all the way through 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
• Build hardware to pass an environmental qualification test plan (such as SMC-S-16)
• Manage schedule and integration requirements for payload development and spacecraft integration to ensure on-time delivery
• Love to learn

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in mechanical, aerospace engineering or related discipline
• 6+ years of mechanical and thermal design or equivalent experience
• Strong skills in CAD design (ex: OnShape) and Finite Element analysis (ex: Ansys)
• Experience with Electronics Packaging and PCB design

Qualifications

• Onsite role in Seattle, WA, with intermittent work travel required (less than 10%)
• 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 with setting up and running 3-axis or 5-axis CNC milling machines, Wire EDM machines, CMM Metrology Systems, or other advanced manufacturing/testing systems
• An active or previously held US Government TS/SCI security clearance is considered a strong plus
• Experience in defense contracting environments or ISR/target-tracking radar missions
• Prior work in small, fast-iteration aerospace teams

Bonus

• 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 with setting up and running 3-axis or 5-axis CNC milling machines, Wire EDM machines, CMM Metrology Systems, or other advanced manufacturing/testing systems
• Experience in defense contracting environments or ISR/target-tracking radar missions
• Prior work in small, fast-iteration aerospace teams

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including equity grants, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Kapta Space is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

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.

Schedule

Full-time roles include competitive equity grants that reward innovation, impact, and long-term growth. Our total compensation philosophy is designed to recognize excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and shared success.