Sr. Mechanisms Engineer
$152,000–$220,000 year
On-siteSan Carlos, California, United States
Job Summary
Own the full development lifecycle of gimbal mechanisms for laser communications payloads, from concept through flight qualification. Design precision assemblies including bearings, flexures, motors, and encoders while performing analysis for kinematics, stiffness, backlash, and thermal expansion. Define performance requirements and interface specifications in coordination with optical and controls teams, then specify and procure precision components while managing supplier relationships and acceptance testing. Develop integration and verification procedures, execute qualification test plans for vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum environments, and maintain drawings and test reports. Collaborate on design reviews and system-level pointing and tracking trade studies to deliver flight-ready hardware.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience designing and developing precision mechanisms for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programs
- Demonstrated experience as the technical owner of end-to-end mechanism development including design, analysis, procurement, integration, and test
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T
- Experience with mechanism analysis including kinematics, stiffness, torque margin, and bearing life calculations
- Hands-on experience with flight mechanism integration, alignment, and functional testing in a lab environment
- Familiarity with precision components including angular contact bearings, brushless DC motors, and optical encoders
- Experience taking flight mechanisms through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 8+ years of experience in precision flight mechanism development for space or defense programs
- Experience designing gimbal mechanisms for laser communications, optical payloads, or antenna pointing systems
- Familiarity with fast steering mirrors or other precision beam-pointing devices
- Experience with mechanism lubrication strategies for space environments
- Familiarity with closed-loop control of gimbal mechanisms and interaction with pointing error budgets
- Experience with life and wear testing and reliability analysis for space mechanisms
- Hands-on experience building and qualifying flight hardware in a cleanroom environment
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