Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion
$130,000–$180,000 year
On-siteHawthorne, California, United States
Job Summary
Own the mechanical design of electric propulsion hardware and spacecraft subsystems, taking components from concept through detailed design, prototyping, and flight readiness. Develop 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and GD&T documentation while performing structural and thermal analyses to validate hardware performance. Build, assemble, and test precision mechanical systems in laboratory environments, developing qualification plans for vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing. Analyze results to identify design improvements and iterate through multiple development cycles. Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable propulsion systems for next-generation orbital missions.
Required 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
Desired Qualifications
- 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
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.