Mechanical Engineer I

Key Responsibilities

• Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.
• Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures, interfaces, packaging concepts, and verification approaches.
• Develop mechanical hardware through concept development, trade studies, detailed design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery.
• Design space mechanisms and motion systems including actuators, gimbals, gear trains, harmonic drives, bearings, motors, rotary sensors, springs, launch locks, release devices, and kinematic or pseudo-kinematic interfaces.
• Create and maintain product definition in SolidWorks, including 3D CAD models, production drawings, interface details, bills of material, assembly documentation, test procedures, and supporting design analyses.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, material and process selection, first-principles calculations, and finite element analysis to make sound design decisions.
• Design hardware for stiffness, strength, thermal environments, vibration and shock, tolerance control, manufacturability, inspect ability, assembly, integration, and test.
• Work closely with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to evaluate alternatives and deliver practical, build-ready solutions.
• Support hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental testing, qualification testing, fixture development, and review of test data.
• Coordinate with machine shops and suppliers to resolve fabrication questions, evaluate manufacturing approaches, and support timely hardware delivery.
• Document technical decisions, design analyses, test results, risks, and verification evidence in support of program milestones and design reviews.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or another related engineering discipline.
• Experience designing mechanical hardware, mechanisms, aerospace hardware, robotic systems, or electromechanical assemblies.
• Experience with SolidWorks or a comparable CAD platform, including 3D modeling and production drawing creation.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design documentation.
• Ability to use engineering fundamentals, hand calculations, and analysis tools to support design decisions.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware build, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, or testing.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
• U.S Citizenship due to program requirements.

Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Experience developing spacecraft mechanisms, robotic manipulators, precision motion systems, actuators, gimbals, deployment systems, or similar high-reliability hardware.
• Experience supporting hardware through environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, or life testing.
• Experience with finite element analysis and interpretation of structural, vibration, or thermal test data.
• Experience taking a component or assembly from concept through fabrication, assembly, test, and production readiness.
• Experience with NASA, JPL, DoD, commercial space, or other high-reliability aerospace programs.
• Strong mechanical problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach to hardware development.