Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Electrochemical Systems

Mechanical Design Engineer - Develop Advanced Electrochemical Systems for Space

Los Angeles, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a seed-stage space technology startup developing advanced spacecraft propulsion and energy systems that enable the next generation of in-space mobility. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and integration of advanced electrochemical hardware that serves as a critical component of the company's propulsion architecture. This is a highly hands-on engineering role with ownership from concept through flight-qualified hardware. You will apply mechanical design, fluid systems, thermal analysis, and electrochemical fundamentals to develop high-performance hardware while collaborating across propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams. The role combines analytical engineering with rapid hardware iteration in a fast-moving development environment.

About Us

We are an early-stage aerospace company building advanced spacecraft and propulsion technologies for commercial and government space missions. Our multidisciplinary engineering team is developing integrated propulsion, power, and fluid systems that enable more capable spacecraft while solving complex engineering challenges through rapid design, testing, and iteration. Engineers have broad ownership and play a direct role in shaping both the technology and the company's future.

Job Duties

• Lead the mechanical design and development of advanced electrochemical hardware supporting spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Design, analyze, prototype, and test electrochemical stacks and associated mechanical assemblies.
• Develop innovative hardware architectures that improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, and system efficiency.
• Perform mechanical, thermal, and fluid analyses to support component sizing, optimization, and validation.
• Utilize analytical calculations and engineering simulation tools to evaluate sealing performance, structural integrity, and thermal behavior.
• Investigate prototype and test failures through structured root cause analysis and implement design improvements.
• Support the development of related propulsion, fluid, thermal management, and energy conversion subsystems.
• Create engineering drawings, interface definitions, assembly documentation, test procedures, and manufacturing documentation.
• Support laboratory testing of electrochemical, propulsion, and fluid systems.
• Participate in system safety assessments, hazard analysis, and safe operation of high-pressure test systems.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing complex mechanical, electrochemical, thermal, or fluid systems.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical stacks, battery systems, fuel cells, heat exchangers, or comparable engineered hardware.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, compressible flow, and mechanical design fundamentals.
• Experience performing engineering analysis using hand calculations, CAD, FEA, CFD, Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering tools.
• Strong mechanical design skills including GD&T, material selection, manufacturability, assembly, and testing.
• Familiarity with high-pressure fluid systems and safe laboratory testing practices.
• Ability to solve complex engineering problems using first-principles thinking.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with significant technical ownership.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing electrochemical systems such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, batteries, or similar energy conversion hardware.
• Background designing pressure vessels, sealed assemblies, or high-performance fluid systems.
• Experience with hydrogen, oxygen, or other specialty fluid systems.
• Knowledge of leak testing, cleanliness requirements, and hazardous fluid handling.
• Experience supporting hardware through prototype development, qualification, and production.
• Startup or early-stage aerospace product development experience.

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Equity participation through stock options.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) program.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunity to develop critical spacecraft hardware from concept through flight.
• Significant technical ownership with direct collaboration alongside experienced aerospace engineers.
• Career growth within a rapidly expanding seed-stage space company.

Compensation Details

$130,000 - $180,000