Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

We are now in a position to bring on board a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer who has a desire to be part of our journey to build something unique and special. Someone who has experienced fast company growth and the challenges that come along with it

What will you do?

• Perform requirements, concept and trade-off analysis to support the design and development of spacecraft hardware that is compliant to mission requirements
• Creation and maintenance of a mechanical digital twin CAD models made up of satellite subsystems, payloads and Ground Segment Equipment down to component level detail
• Work with our other engineers across all functions throughout the entire design, test and flight model manufacture process, ensuring conformity across different subsystems
• Assist with testing, validation & verification campaigns to qualify the space hardware
• Support Failure Mode Effects Criticality Analysis (FMECA) and Fault Detection Isolation and Reporting (FDIR) analysis

Requirements

• Ownership of digital twin CAD models of subsystems throughout the design process from initial concept through to manufacture and test Liaising with sub-system design and functional teams (eg electronics, thermal, software, manufacturing etc) to ensure alignment of the design across the spacecraft and prepare suitable testing procedures.

• Concept and detailed mechanical design of component parts and assemblies using a mechanical Computer Aided Design (CAD) package with design, drawing, animation and simulation workspaces
• Creation and maintenance of equipment Bill of Materials for whole subsystems 
• Define, design and maintain control of mechanical interfaces within and between separate subsystems and their associated teams
• Input into Design for Manufacture and Design for Assembly (DFA/DFM) reviews 
• Research, trade-off and selection of technologies and components 
• Trade-off, design and verification of subsystems and components
• Creation and review of design documentation
• Support review of SysML systems engineering models (including behavioural and use case analysis, functional, activity and sequence diagrams etc)  

Technical skills

• Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics or equivalent
• Proven hands-on mechanical design experience (preferably in the space sector though not essential)
• Able to conduct complex trade-offs in support of the design activities.
• Have an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Proficient in Siemens NX and/or Fusion 360
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements analysis, system design, integration, testing, and validation (preferably in space sector though not essential).
• Experience in supporting and managing configuration control of complex models
• A working knowledge of regulatory requirements, ie ECSS is desirable.

Soft Skills

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Ability to take total ownership of a task and support other team members 
• Able to communicate with teams working across multiple disciplines both in and out of the office;
• Able to communicate professionally with customers and external stakeholders;
• Resilient and adaptable to technical and non-technical roadblocks, as many are expected

Benefits

Why Space Forge?

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off the planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs. 

Salary range: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum depending on experience, knowledge and skill set.

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us. 

• Flexible working environment, work from where you like in the UK unless you need to be in the office, our remote work equipment is high spec too. This role will be a hybrid set up, with 3 days minimum on-site
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool brand new office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• You’re the master of your own destiny. We offer every person at Space Forge a £1500 annual learning budget  so you can choose the training or experiences to help you grow
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

We also believe our interview process should be inclusive and transparent and we take it very seriously. We want to give you time to learn about us while we get to know you. As always, if there is anything missing, or you've identified a way we can improve, just let us know!