VP of Mechanical Engineering

Key Responsibilities

• Define the end-to-end mechanical architecture: from structural chassis and protective enclosures to complex deployable mechanisms (e.g., antennas, solar arrays).
• Architect the physical structures and mobility systems for our exploration rovers and the ruggedized housings for our ground/orbital central communication terminals.
• Develop the strategy for material selection and manufacturing, optimizing for mass, strength, outgassing properties, and thermal conductivity in space environments.
• Directly design, execute, and oversee 3D CAD modeling, drafting (GD&T), and the fabrication/machining pipeline for all internal hardware.
• Perform low-level, hands-on structural (FEA) and thermal (CFD) simulations to ensure the hardware can survive extreme launch loads and orbital thermal cycling.
• Manage rapid prototyping efforts, leveraging CNC machining, 3D printing, and iterative design cycles to validate concepts before flight-model production.
• Collaborate with Electrical Engineering to design critical thermal management pathways that dissipate heat from high-power avionics and computing modules in a vacuum.
• Apply these highly durable mechanical principles to terrestrial markets, such as high-pressure deep-sea robotics, automotive safety systems, or remote industrial enclosures.

Leadership & Team Building

• Recruit and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, CAD designers, thermal specialists, and test technicians (post-funding).
• Enforce rigorous hardware design, review, and manufacturing standards appropriate for safety-critical systems.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years in mechanical engineering with significant experience designing hardware for aerospace, robotics, defense, or extreme environments.
• Mastery of GD&T.
• Experience designing and shipping hardware for safety-critical or regulated industries.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen with active TS security clearance or clear eligibility to obtain one.
• Mindset: A "Test-Like-You-Fly" mentality combined with exceptional collaborative skills to integrate systems cross-functionally and iterate quickly in a hands-on startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in aerospace thermal management (radiators, heat pipes, multi-layer insulation [MLI]).
• Experience with kinematic mechanisms, robotics, or rover mobility systems (suspensions, drive trains, actuators).
• Hands-on familiarity with aerospace environmental testing campaigns (Thermal Vacuum [TVAC], vibe, acoustic, shock).
• Previous experience in a technical leadership role within a hardware-heavy startup.