Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion

Mechanical Design Engineer - Develop Next-Generation Electric Propulsion Systems for Spacecraft

Hawthorne, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a seed-stage aerospace startup developing advanced spacecraft and in-space propulsion technologies for the next generation of orbital missions. As the company expands its engineering capabilities, we are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of critical propulsion hardware supporting high-performance spacecraft systems. This is a hands-on engineering role with ownership from initial architecture through flight-qualified hardware. You will design precision mechanical components, perform structural and thermal analysis, build and test hardware, and work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver reliable propulsion systems capable of operating in demanding space environments.

About Us

We are an early-stage space technology company building advanced spacecraft and propulsion platforms that enable more capable missions beyond Earth orbit. Our team combines experience from leading aerospace organizations with the agility of a venture-backed startup, creating an environment where engineers have significant ownership, move quickly, and directly influence product development from concept through flight.

Job Duties

• Own the mechanical design of electric propulsion hardware and supporting spacecraft subsystems.
• Design precision components including propulsion assemblies, fluid management hardware, structural elements, and supporting mechanical systems.
• Take hardware from concept through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and flight readiness.
• Develop 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and GD&T documentation.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses using finite element methods to validate hardware performance.
• Select materials and manufacturing methods appropriate for demanding aerospace applications.
• Build, assemble, and test hardware in laboratory environments.
• Develop qualification and acceptance test plans for environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and related verification activities.
• Analyze test results, identify design improvements, and iterate hardware through multiple development cycles.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and test engineers throughout product development.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of mechanical design experience with complex engineered hardware.
• Strong proficiency with CAD software and finite element analysis tools.
• Experience performing structural and thermal analysis.
• Experience creating manufacturing drawings and applying GD&T.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, materials science, and fluid systems.
• Experience designing and testing pressurized components or mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to solve complex engineering challenges using first-principles thinking.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative engineering environment with significant technical ownership.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace or spacecraft hardware development experience.
• Experience designing electric propulsion or other high-performance propulsion hardware.
• Hands-on experience building, assembling, and testing precision mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with environmental qualification testing including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing.
• Experience supporting hardware from prototype through production.
• Startup or early-stage 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 own critical flight hardware from concept through launch.
• High levels of technical ownership with direct collaboration alongside experienced aerospace engineers.
• Meaningful career growth as the company scales.

Compensation Details

$130,000 - $180,000

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