Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft (I-II)
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies for LEO/GEO satellites, small sat platforms, and on-orbit servicing vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, and reliability requirements.
- Assist in the development of spacecraft structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and flight hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Support the design of primary and secondary structures for launch load environments, including sine burst, random vibration, and shock, in compliance with launch vehicle ICD requirements.
- Contribute to the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies intended for on-orbit operation.
- Assist in the packaging and integration of electronics assemblies and avionics hardware within the spacecraft structure, with consideration for thermal interfaces, harness routing, and accessibility during integration and test.
- Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including structural mounting, thruster bracket design, and propellant line routing.
- Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for spacecraft components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
- Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
- Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
- Assist in the development and execution of structural and mechanisms test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
- Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 1–4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
- Exposure to or coursework in spacecraft or satellite systems, including structural design, mechanisms, or space environment considerations.
- Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
- Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
- Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to launch and on-orbit environments.
- Exposure to mechanisms design, including hinges, deployment systems, actuators, or other moving assemblies.
- Familiarity with electronics packaging concepts, including thermal interface materials, harness routing, and avionics integration constraints.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience designing hardware for space or flight environments, including considerations for launch loads, thermal cycling, vacuum outgassing, and radiation.
- Familiarity with smallsat or CubeSat platforms, including COTS component integration and mass-constrained design.
- Exposure to on-orbit servicing concepts, proximity operations vehicles, or docking and capture mechanisms.
- Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions.
- Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including thruster or tank mounting and propellant line routing.
- Familiarity with relevant spacecraft and aerospace standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, GEVS, AIAA S-110, MIL-SPEC).
- Exposure to full hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, and test.
- Familiarity with configuration management and PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and engineering change processes.
- Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines.
- Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary: Denver: $65,000 - $110,000 Long Beach: $70,000m - $115,000
- Denver: $65,000 - $110,000
- Long Beach: $70,000m - $115,000
- Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
- Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work Location —Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach.
- Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
- Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
- This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.
- True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.
About True Anomaly
Delivering decisive capabilities for space superiority and security.
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