Mechanical Engineer

Outpost•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$125,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Outpost is building the missing infrastructure between orbit and Earth: reusable vehicles that can bring payloads back from space and deliver them to a precise location within hours. We call it exologistics, space-to-Earth logistics at planetary scale. Our system is in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight readiness. We have validated demand through multiple defense and civil agreements, and a growing pipeline across government and commercial customers. Outpost is building the logistics layer that makes space economically useful in a new way: the ability to move material from orbit to Earth quickly, reliably, and affordably. Over time, that supports point-to-point logistics, 10 tons of cargo, anywhere on Earth in an hour. It also creates the foundation for a reusable reentry network and enables new categories of space activity, including in-space manufacturing, supporting AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, and novel materials. The company is scaling rapidly, expanding the team, growing our operational footprint, and building the systems needed to execute at the next level. This is a chance to join a company with real traction, working on a problem that matters, at the point where execution and scale begin to define the outcome.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
5-10 years designing flight hardware structures and mechanisms.
Experience taking hardware from concept to production and/or flight.
Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and mechanical analysis tools (structural/thermal in Ansys - Solidworks).
Experience designing structures, mechanisms, deployables, or aerodynamic structures (parachutes/paragliders, flaps, linkages, hinges, etc.).
Understanding of load path, interfaces, and environmental requirements for high-energy flight environments.
Experience executing rapid, hands-on prototypes to support fast design–build–test cycles.
Excellent documentation, communication, and technical writing skills.
Understanding of spacecraft environmental requirements (launch loads, shock, vibration, thermal).
Write and read engineering requirements and interface control documents.
Strong cross-functional communication - you'll work daily with systems, integration, and test engineers.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 ,or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Experience taking hardware through at least one formal design review (PDR or CDR); exposure to qualification testing strongly preferred.
Experience with reentry systems, atmospheric flight vehicles, TPS interfaces, or parachute/paraglider systems.
Background integrating soft goods with rigid structures.
Experience in hypersonic, supersonic, or high-aero-load environments.
Field test experience (drop tests, flight tests, parachute deployments, etc.).
Familiarity with DOF-limited mechanisms and precision actuation in harsh environments.

Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical systems for atmospheric recovery, including deployable structures, aerodynamic decelerators, recovery mechanisms, airframe interfaces, and precision landing hardware from requirements through release, build support, and qualification.
Develop CDR-level design packages: CAD, drawings, specifications, analysis, and test plans.
Define and manage hardware requirements, interface with mission operations and payload customers.
Perform or coordinate structural and thermal analysis to verify hardware margins.
Write and execute qualification and acceptance test procedures, support environmental test campaigns.
Participate in peer reviews and formal milestone reviews (CDR, TRR, etc.).
Drive design reviews (PDR/CDR) and prepare clear documentation, drawings, BOMs, and work instructions.
Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

Competitive compensation: $125,000 – $160,000; (commensurate with experience).
Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
Paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
Pet Friendly Office.
Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!