Senior Propulsion Mechanical Design Engineer Verified today
The Role
You will own the success of mechanical structures and mechanisms for a plasma propulsion system that will be the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever flown. Working in 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: 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: validate designs through prototype iterations and build and qualify flight hardware.
In your first two years: fly your hardware in space while directly supporting production and integration.
Responsibilities
- Own mechanical design of propulsion system hardware including propulsion modules, critical thruster components, propellant management system, avionics box design, propulsion secondary structures, and potentially tank development
- Validate 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 test data, iterate designs, and make 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
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
- 10+ 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 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 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 prototype or high-volume environments
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary range: $140,000 to $175,000 plus equity
- Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks
- Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
Export Compliance
You must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. This role has access to items controlled by ITAR.