Mechanical Design Manager - Nova Stage 1 Aft
About The Position
The Mechanical Design Manager for Stage 1 Aft End leads engineers through the design, development, integration, and testing of critical structural and mechanical systems for Nova, a fully reusable launch vehicle. The role provides technical leadership for primary and secondary structure design and analysis, and owns the build and integration of aft-end fluids and avionics systems, including cryogenic propellant management, high-pressure gas systems, and thrust vector control. The manager oversees hardware projects from requirements definition through development, design, analysis, build, test, vehicle integration, and flight. The role works across disciplines with engineers and technicians and includes hands-on hardware work alongside the fabrication team. It also includes mentoring junior team members and interns.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of experience in aerospace structures and mechanical design, including design, build, and test of space vehicle systems.
- At least 2 years of experience leading a team of engineers.
- Experience designing, building, and testing structures that have flown.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a similar field.
- Strong command of structural design fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and design for manufacturing.
- Demonstrated proficiency with CAD and analysis software, with multiple examples of each.
- Experience with technical mentoring and developing junior engineers.
- Project management experience, including developing resource-loaded schedules.
- Hands-on experience fabricating and assembling components.
- Proficiency with relevant software tools such as NX, ANSYS, Python, Matlab, Excel, or equivalent.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Willingness to relocate to Seattle, Washington.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under the stated ITAR requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency with NX CAD software.
- Proficiency with ANSYS analysis software.
- Familiarity with launch vehicle design.
- Familiarity with cryogenic propellants.
Responsibilities
- Own the technical roadmap for aft-end structural and mechanical design on current and future vehicles.
- Lead structural and mechanical designs from concept through release, build, testing, and vehicle-level operations.
- Provide technical leadership for primary and secondary structure design and analysis.
- Define and optimize structural load paths for the aft end of the vehicle.
- Oversee integration of fluids-system hardware with primary vehicle structures.
- Create technical standards and guides for space vehicle structural and mechanical design.
- Hire, grow, and mentor a team of mechanical and structures design engineers.
- Coach team members in structures, strength of materials, design for manufacturing, and space vehicle design and qualification.
- Determine the appropriate level of analysis for problems, from hand calculations to multiphysics finite element solutions, and guide team execution.
- Maintain a culture of integrity, reliability, and fast iteration.
Benefits
- Equity in the form of stock options for regular, full-time employees.
- Comprehensive benefits program, including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Company-paid life and disability insurance.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Four weeks of paid time off.
- 11 holidays, including an end-of-year closure.
- Paid family/parental leave.
- On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend, depending on location.
- Dog-friendly offices.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
