Lead Mechanical Engineer, Compute Systems

Cowboy Space Corp.•San Carlos, CA

1d•$150,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. About the Role: The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for the structural and thermal-mechanical design of our space-based compute hardware. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with deep experience in high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from packaging architecture and thermal trade studies to hands-on hardware integration and qualification. This role covers electronics packaging, chassis design, thermal management, and structural qualification for compute and power electronics operating in the harsh environment of Low Earth Orbit. You will lead a team of mechanical engineers and work closely with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft systems teams to deliver robust, high-performance compute flight hardware ready for orbit. Previous experience driving end-to-end mechanical development of electronics packaging or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications in a fast-paced environment is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for flight hardware in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics programs
Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of electronics enclosures or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications
Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T
Experience with structural analysis and thermal modeling tools
Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
Strong understanding of thermal management approaches for high-power electronics in vacuum environments
Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
8+ years of experience developing flight hardware for space or defense programs
Experience with conduction-cooled electronics packaging or cold plate design for space flight hardware
Experience with liquid cooling solutions for flight hardware
Familiarity with high-power compute or GPU hardware packaging and associated thermal constraints
Experience with radiation design considerations for electronics operating in LEO
Experience with deployable or articulating power or thermal structures
Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and test in a lab or cleanroom environment
Prior experience as a technical lead or engineering manager on a flight program

Responsibilities

Own the mechanical architecture of space-based compute hardware, including chassis, PCB retention, connector interfaces, and thermal management, from concept through production
Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and thermal performance to optimize compute hardware architecture
Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction, review standards, and execution pace
Define and own interfaces and technical budgets for compute and power electronics assemblies
Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, working with analysts to validate designs against requirements
Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors
Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions
Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical and thermal interfaces