Satellite Mechanical Engineer

SpinLaunch is a space technology company committed to revolutionizing access to space by enabling the rapid, cost-effective deployment of launch, satellites, and services. With backing from industry leaders in venture capital and engineering, including Airbus Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Kleiner Perkins, we are primed to advance the commercialization of our end-to-end space solutions. At SpinLaunch, you'll be at the forefront of transforming the entire space landscape - creating a more affordable and sustainable space industry. Join us in our mission and be an integral part of a close-knit, collaborative team that strives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. This is a full-time, on-site position located at our Long Beach, CA headquarters.

 

Your Mission on the Team:  

• Own the full lifecycle of a wide range of critical satellite structures, mechanisms, and thermal management devices – from concept through orbit 

• Use CAD, programming environments, hand calcs, and spreadsheets to design for cost-effectiveness, reliability and robustness in launch and space environments 

• Perform finite element and thermal analyses, characterize spacecraft structural dynamics, determine factors of safety, and predict on-orbit behavior 

• Develop methods for highly-efficient placement of satellites within a launch vehicle fairing, design interfaces, and separation systems 

• Solve complex engineering problems, implement creative solutions, rapidly iterate through designs, and react quickly to unforeseen challenges 

• Assemble, integrate, and test hardware 

• Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team of highly-motivated engineers 

• Generate drawings employing GD&T best practices 

• Perform trade studies, cost estimation, vendor assessment, and inform project schedules 

• Effectively communicate technical concepts and details with internal and external stakeholders 

 

Basic Qualifications: 

• 3+ years professional aerospace mechanical design/development experience 

• Skill in using and creating software tools to model systems performance across a variety of disciplines (MATLAB, Python, Excel, etc.) 

• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, materials, dynamics, and manufacturing methods 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field 

• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills 

• Ability to rapidly expand application-specific knowledge and skills where necessary  

• Capacity to work autonomously  

• Passion for understanding complexity and finding answers to challenging questions 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• 7+ years professional spacecraft design/development experience 

• Master's degree in Engineering, or related field 

• Previous experience with: (1) designing low-cost satellites intended for high production volumes (2) designing spacecraft for launch vehicle interfaces and analyzing launch loads, and/or (3) spacecraft assembly, integration, and test 

• Breadth of understanding of other spacecraft subsystems and general knowledge of satellite operations 

 

ITAR Requirements

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

 

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.