Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer Verified today

The Role

You will own the success of mechanical structures and mechanisms for K2's plasma propulsion system, the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. Working within a small multidisciplinary team, you will handle mechanical design, development, build, test, and analysis of the satellite's propulsion system and all related hardware.

In your first 6 months, you will define product requirements, create initial concepts and trades, perform preliminary and detailed analysis, define development test campaigns, and produce development hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware. In your first two years, you will fly your hardware in space while directly supporting production and integration.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of propulsion system hardware including propulsion modules, critical thruster components, the propellant management system, avionics box design, propulsion secondary structures, and potentially tank development
• Validate your designs through the entire lifecycle from concept to production and successful flight demonstrations
• Generate 3D models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents
• Perform analysis on data from testing hardware, iterating designs, and making critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance
• Develop and execute component and system-level test plans
• Manage key propulsion vendors and suppliers through hardware delivery
• Own and refine sub-system deliverable schedules throughout development and production

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T
• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, thermodynamics, and fluids
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback

Nice to Have

• Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting
• Experience in advanced propulsion technologies, including high-performance engines, in-space propulsion, and propulsion system integration
• Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)
• Deep experience in the development and qualification of high-pressure and low-pressure fluidic components, including flight feed systems or pressurized tanks
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations
• Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments

Compensation

• Base salary range: $100,000 - $140,000 plus equity
• Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave

Export Control

This role requires access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations (ITAR). The person hired must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. U.S. persons include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (refugees, asylees, American Samoans).