Mechanisms Engineer - Solar Arrays (f/m/d) Verified today

About the role

As Mechanisms Engineer for Solar Arrays, you will be responsible for the deployment systems at the heart of dcubed's solar arrays. You will design, prototype, test, and qualify the hardware that allows spacecraft to generate power once they reach orbit.

You will move seamlessly from CAD models and FEM analyses to the workshop and test lab, turning ambitious ideas into reliable flight hardware. Ownership, speed, and the challenge of making space mechanisms work where repair is impossible drive this role.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and develop space-qualified deployment mechanisms and motion systems for Solar Array products, from concept through flight hardware delivery.
• Provide expert guidance on mechanism design, materials selection, lubrication, coatings, thermal effects, motorization margins, tolerancing, and reliability for space applications.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles, generate production-ready technical drawings, and support rapid prototyping using additive manufacturing and conventional machining.
• Ensure seamless integration of mechanisms with structural, electrical, and deployment subsystems while balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.
• Define, support, and execute development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns including deployment, vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, and lifetime testing.
• Investigate anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement design improvements to enhance mechanism performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Maintain engineering documentation including CAD models, technical drawings, specifications, analyses, test procedures, and qualification reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanism design, aerospace engineering, precision mechanical systems, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of space mechanisms: bearings, gears, springs, hinges, release systems, lubrication, coatings, wear mechanisms, thermal effects, and motorization sizing.
• Expert-level CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred) and familiarity with FEM tools (ANSYS preferred).
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, tolerancing, and technical drawing generation.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and fabrication: 3D printing, milling, turning, laser cutting, CNC machining, and hardware assembly.
• Familiarity with space qualification methods and standards: vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, deployment, and lifetime testing.
• Knowledge of ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace standards highly desirable.
• Fluent English skills.
• Eligibility to work in Germany.

What we offer

• Deutschlandticket for commute
• EGYM Wellpass and recovery toolkit
• ETF-based pension program with 30-50% company contribution
• Modern work equipment: laptop, phone, headphones, electric desk, wide screens, state-of-the-art workshop equipment
• Office environment with kitchen, break areas, lunch offering, beverages, snacks, exercise area, and Space Bar
• Hybrid work arrangements with flexible location and working hours
• Company events, trips, and launch parties
• Professional development budget, training library, and regular performance reviews
• Company swag

This position involves access to technology subject to U.S. and/or Germany export controls. Any job offer is contingent upon compliance with export control regulations.