Associate Mechanical Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation • Irvine, CA

2h • $85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Terran Orbital is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to contribute to spacecraft mechanical design across the product lifecycle. The role includes spacecraft layout, structural and thermal subsystems, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, and turning designs into hardware through prototyping, development testing, and low-rate initial production. The position reports to the Mechanical Engineering Manager.

The engineer supports design and development of spacecraft, subsystems, flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment. The role also involves mechanical modeling and analysis, design documentation, technical material for design reviews, and coordination on spacecraft electrical cabling solutions. The engineer collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, automation, and production teams to improve designs and production processes, and supports process development and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• 0 or more years of experience designing mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar engineering sector.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
• Ability to interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Hands-on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Experience working with internal or external customers.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience supporting product development across multiple stages of the product lifecycle.
• Experience in a production environment within the space or aerospace industry.
• Passion for space technology and commitment to contributing to innovative engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems, including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies according to industry best practices.
• Perform vehicle and subsystem analysis using hand calculations, finite element tools, and other relevant techniques to support early-stage design.
• Create and maintain design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
• Generate technical content for internal and external design reviews.
• Coordinate with Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams to develop spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
• Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols for efficient initial production.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, automation, and production personnel to apply design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly best practices.
• Stay current with technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes and apply knowledge to improve spacecraft design and performance.
• Support process development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and dependents.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Education or tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive paid parental leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
• Covered life insurance.
• Employee referral program.
• Company swag.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level