Mechanical Engineering Manager

Orbit Fab•Lafayette, CO, FL

3d•$144,000 - $186,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will lead the mechanical team from concept designs to producing flight-ready hardware. This role requires a strong technical understanding and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. The manager will be responsible for understanding people's needs, business requirements, and technical specifications. The role is a player-coach position, with 50-75% of the time dedicated to leadership responsibilities and 25-50% to individual contributor work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline
7+ years of experience in design, fabrication, and/or test for mechanical systems
Proven leadership experience in a responsible engineer, project lead, or team management capacity
Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools
Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, including design, fabrication, and testing
Experience with mechanism design including gears, ball screws, motor sizing, vibration & shock analysis
Experience taking a product from concept to operation
Knowledge of space rated materials and design trades around material choices
Can work autonomously, views work with a critical eye
An effective sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, small company environment
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, strategic, statistical, and personal skills
Must be willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (3-5 days a week on site) out of our Lafayette, CO office

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for mechanical systems
2+ years of experience managing teams
Experience performing analysis with Ansys and MATLAB
Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related field
Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710)
Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and protoqualification verification approaches
Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris, etc.) and design approaches (at LEO, GEO, and beyond)
Experience in a startup environment
General understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, including machining and welding

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical team through multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines on time
Delegate effectively so that the right team members are working on tasks that suit their skills, interest, and technical growth path
Guide process development and adherence for the Mechanical Engineering team
Review mechanical system architecture affecting the mission as a whole and the products that will interface with the hardware
Support analysis required to satisfy internal requirements for hardware performance, life, and environment
Support assembly and test activities including performance, shock, vibration, and space environments
Review engineering drawings; ensure ASME Y14.5 and drafting best practices are applied to released drawings
Prepare and give reviews of team’s work prior to critical milestones
Proactively identify roadblocks to technical progress and take steps to mitigate/avoid them
Deliver effective presentations to the team
Hold weekly one-on-ones with team members and provide mentorship
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department
Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment
Own the design and analysis of spacecraft systems, structures, MGSE, and mechanisms
Develop and maintain detailed CAD models and documentation
Perform analyses and testing to validate designs and ensure compliance
Provide SME input in the development of engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans