Snr Mechanical Engineer - (Spacecraft Structures)

Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in spacecraft structures, responsible for owning the full-vehicle structure and serving as the architectural lead for a re-entry program in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete structural architecture of the vehicle, covering primary load-bearing frame, heat shield interfaces, payload bay, and all secondary structures.
• Steer structural design from early trade studies through detailed design, manufacturing, and integration; serve as the technical authority on structural decisions.
• Perform and validate high-fidelity hand calculations and FEA using NASTRAN or ANSYS to ensure robustness during launch, orbit, and re-entry environments.
• Define structural integration across disciplines, coordinating closely with thermal protection, atmospheric recovery, and manufacturing teams.
• Develop and approve flight-ready manufacturing drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to guarantee correct fit and function on first assembly.
• Lead hands-on build and structural testing campaigns, including static load, vibration, shock, and deployment tests, using outcomes to iterate the design.
• Collaborate with vendors and fabrication partners (machining, composites, fabrication) to resolve issues and ensure timely, high-quality delivery.

Requirements

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience with full flight vehicle structures coverage from concept to build, test, and flight.
• Experience as the structural architect for an entire space vehicle.
• Proficiency in parametric modeling with SolidWorks or Siemens NX.
• Strong GD&T expertise (ASME Y14.5) and ability to produce flight-ready manufacturing drawings.
• Capability to perform high-fidelity hand calculations and FEA (NASTRAN/ANSYS).
• Proven ability to lead hands-on build and structural test activities (static load, vibration, shock, deployment).
• Experience engaging with vendors and manufacturing partners (machining, composites, fabrication) to resolve issues and ensure on-time delivery.
• Background designing for launch loads, orbital vacuum, and hypersonic re-entry conditions.

Technologies

• NASTRAN
• ANSYS
• SolidWorks
• Siemens NX
• GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Benefits

• Incentive stock options
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match

Compensation

• USD 190,000 - 230,000 per year

Job Details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Work Location: On-site, Los Angeles, CA

Application Questions

• Do you have experience in SolidWorks or Siemens NX for parametric modeling?
• Have you served as the structural architect for a full space vehicle?
• Have you managed complete flight vehicle structures from concept through build, test, and flight on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or re-entry systems?
• Do you possess strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and the ability to create and own flight-ready manufacturing drawings?