Mechanical Engineer

Rendezvous Robotics•Golden, CO

22d•$85,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rendezvous Robotics is solving the problem of spacecraft size constraints imposed by rocket fairings with electromagnetic self-assembling tiles. This technology enables the construction of larger and more powerful spacecraft. The company is a small team based in Golden, Colorado, focused on a clear path from flight demonstration to operational systems, encompassing hardware, software, and systems engineering. They are seeking individuals passionate about building impactful technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
5+ years of mechanical design experience, ideally with spacecraft, satellite, or other aerospace and robotics hardware.
Strong foundation in core mechanical engineering principles—statics, dynamics, materials, and structural analysis.
Strong ability to communicate across engineering disciplines to make program-critical decisions.
Solid understanding of aerospace materials, hardware, and fabrication techniques.
Demonstrated experience designing spaceflight hardware—mechanisms, actuators, and structural assemblies built for launch and on-orbit environments.
Strong command of CAD tools for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and tolerance stack-ups.
Test plan development, including environmental and structural testing experience, preferably for spaceflight hardware qualification.
Hands-on R&D background—prototyping, testing, and iterating on novel mechanical concepts.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Experience with design lifecycle and configuration management systems
Proficiency with Onshape (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo also valued) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
Experience with industry-standard FEA tools (e.g., Nastran/Femap, ANSYS, Abaqus) and thermal tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop or a comparable node-based solver).
Project-management experience—planning, scheduling, risk identification, and cross-functional coordination.
Familiarity with NASA (e.g., NASA-STD-5020, GEVS) and/or SMC-S-016 verification standards.
Understanding of aerospace loading and thermal environments, material behavior, and margin assessment.
Familiarity with separation systems, deployables, or precision mechanisms.
Ownership of a spacecraft or satellite subsystem across its full lifecycle: design, qualification, production, and on-orbit operation.
Experience in a startup or fast-iteration hardware environment.

Responsibilities

Own complex, space-grade mechanical and electromechanical subsystems from concept through production and on-orbit operation, including requirements definition, detailed CAD modeling, tolerance stack-ups, and design reviews.
Design spacecraft mechanisms, actuators, and structural assemblies that survive launch loads and operate in the space environment.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, electrical, software, manufacturing) to integrate mechanical designs.
Support prototype builds and oversee mechanical verification and validation, including environmental and vibration testing.
Engage suppliers and support fabrication processes; produce and check detailed drawings and GD&T.
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, documentation, and best practices.