General Astronautics is building autonomous dexterous robotic arms for microgravity environments. Our systems enable orbital science and manufacturing that isn't possible on Earth, and we're doing it without humans in the loop. We're looking for a Founding Mechanical Engineer to own the design and development of our robotic arm from concept through flight-ready hardware. This is a high-ownership , high-accountability role. You will be one of the first engineers at the company, and the hardware you build will fly.ResponsibilitiesLead architecture, design, development, and test of a robotic arm for autonomous microgravity operationsOwn hardware from concept through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, integration, and deploymentDesign precision mechanisms, joints, end effectors, actuator interfaces, and electromechanical assemblies optimized for vacuum, vibration, thermal cycling, and microgravityPerform trade studies across mass, stiffness, reach, payload, repeatability, thermal performance, manufacturability, reliability, and costGenerate 3D CAD, 2D drawings, release packages, interface definitions, and technical documentationPerform hand calculations, tolerance analyses, and FEA to validate component and subsystem designsDefine requirements, loads, interfaces, error budgets, and verification plans at component, subsystem, and system levelsBuild and test prototypes, analyze failures, and drive root-cause resolution and design iterationWork cross-functionally with controls, autonomy, software, avionics, and manufacturing to deliver an integrated flight systemBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline2+ years of experience designing, building, analyzing, and testing complex mechanical or electromechanical hardwareProficiency in professional CAD software (NX, CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent)Strong fundamentals in machine design, structural sizing, mechanism design, and electromechanical integrationExperience with hand calculations, tolerance analysis, and FEAProficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5)Hands-on experience building, debugging, and testing hardwarePreferred Skills And ExperienceExperience with robotic arms, manipulators, precision mechanisms, deployables, or other articulated hardwareExperience designing mechanisms for space, vacuum, or other harsh environments, thermal qualification, vibration, contamination controlExperience integrating motors, encoders, controllers, PCBAs, and harnessing into mechanical assembliesBackground in aerospace, defense, semiconductor equipment, or medical devicesExperience with requirements verification, formal hardware qualification, and V&V processesFamiliarity with PLM tools and configuration-managed hardware developmentExperience transitioning hardware from prototype to flight productionITAR / Citizenship RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.#J-18808-Ljbffr