Lead Satellite Mechanical Integration Engineer Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States

About the position

As the Lead Mechanical Engineer for Launch Operations, you will play a critical role in preparing our spacecraft for launch. You'll work closely with internal engineering teams, launch vehicle providers, and ground support personnel to support integration, test, and pre-launch operations. This is a dynamic, field-based role requiring excellent mechanical engineering knowledge, strong communication skills, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset. This position involves hands-on work at launch sites to ensure satellites are safely handled in the final preparations for integration with the launch vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site mechanical engineering representative for satellite integration with launch vehicles.
• Coordinate and oversee mechanical integration, handling, transportation, and final mate of the satellite with the launch vehicle.
• Work directly with launch vehicle providers and ground support teams to ensure compliance with interface and mechanical requirements.
• Develop and execute mechanical procedures related to launch site activities (e.g., lifting, securing, pressurization, and environmental enclosures).
• Support spacecraft launch campaigns including final checkouts, mechanical troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution.
• Ensure mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) is used safely and effectively.
• Maintain documentation and provide detailed reporting of all launch site activities.
• Ensure all hardware and processes meet safety, quality, and launch provider standards.
• Work closely with mission assurance teams to verify readiness.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, and software engineers to support integrated operations and issue resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's degree is a plus).
• 5+ years of experience in satellite launch operations or satellite integration and testing.
• Experience with launch vehicle integration and satellite mechanical systems (structures, thermal, deployment mechanisms, etc.).
• Experience with environmental testing and spaceflight hardware.
• Proficient with mechanical CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and engineering documentation.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials, fasteners, and ground support equipment.
• Strong understanding of launch site safety procedures and environmental controls.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in high-pressure launch environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally to support launch campaigns, sometimes for weeks at a time.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency required.
• Must be able to pass background check to access Cape Canaveral, an active US military base.