Senior Mechanical Engineer: Mechanisms, Space

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• Create mechanisms (optical focus, shutters, filter wheels, etc.) for space payloads ranging from small cameras to large telescopes that survive the launch and space environments 

• Review literature and parallel applications to inform architecture and selection 

• Run hand calculations to size actuators and components 

• Select, procure, and rigorously test (e.g., environmental, accelerated life) actuators and sensors; this includes architecting test plans, overseeing test setup development, characterizing performance, and reporting findings to inform integration 

• Own hardware design from concept to launch, intelligently pacing design maturity with a holistic program view 

• Use first principles for every decision and continuously simplify designs 

• Communicate pros/cons of system architectures with respect to mechanism design and performance 

• Lead subsystem design reviews and provide clear status updates on timelines and technical progress 

• Build prototypes, analyze failures, and transition successful designs to flight hardware and low-rate production 

• Create excellent technical documentation (presentations, test plans/reports, procedures, drawings, specifications, etc.) 

• Mentor junior engineers 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• BS or higher degree in engineering or hard science 

• Ability to obtain and hold U.S. Top Secret security clearance 

• 5+ years of mechanism design experience with space hardware and demonstrated track record of success fielding flight hardware 

• Mechatronics experience: review datasheets, select components, interface with actuators and sensors, architect and prototype control loops, and facilitate integration into higher level mechanical/electrical assemblies 

• Coding experience in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for analytical models, data acquisition/automation 

• Experience using microcontrollers for prototyping such as Arduino, RasPi, STM, or other  

• Experience with high-reliability design, athermalization, and vibration/shock resistance 

• Experience with mechanical alignments, kinematic mounting, and qualification test campaigns 

• Excellent attention to detail, highly motivated, self-starting, and autonomous 

• Organized with ability to define scope and requirements for ambiguous problems 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Hands-on technical project experience (academic, extracurricular, or personal) 

• Experience in related industries 

• Structural or thermal testing experience  

• CAD proficiency and ability to create engineering drawings meeting industry standards 

• Hands-on fabrication and assembly skills with hand tools, mill, lathe, etc. 

• Strong fundamentals in optics, heat transfer, statics, solid mechanics, and materials