Mechanical Manager

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

6d•$139,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft for dynamic space operations, aiming to make maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration routine in space. The company focuses on developing foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive space operations, enabling a new era of space activity that enhances national security and ensures freedom of action in a contested domain. Working at Katalyst is described as intense, hands-on, and rewarding, with opportunities for ownership and seeing work move from concept to operations in an environment with challenging problems and real impact. The company culture values humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, fostering collaboration among thoughtful and driven teammates.

Requirements

8+ years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace or complex hardware development.
3–5+ years leading engineering teams.
Extensive spacecraft or aerospace structural/mechanical design experience.
Strong CAD and GD&T expertise.
Deep understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
Experience leading qualification and environmental testing.
Strong mechanical fundamentals and systems engineering intuition.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts.
Experience making high-consequence engineering decisions and tradeoffs.
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Flight hardware ownership from concept through launch.
Startup or rapid-development environment.
Experience managing multiple simultaneous programs.
Experience hiring and developing engineering talent.
Familiarity with propulsion systems, thermal systems, avionics integration, optics, or deployable structures.
Familiarity with robotics designed for a space environment.
Experience establishing engineering processes and design standards.
Experience designing and implementing space mechanisms.
Experience designing for launch environments and qualification.

Responsibilities

Lead and grow the Mechanical Engineering organization spanning robotics, bus design, arrays and other space mechanisms.
Own execution across multiple spacecraft mechanical development efforts.
Establish engineering standards and best practices.
Mentor engineers across all experience levels.
Drive architecture and major technical decisions.
Balance schedule, cost, manufacturability, and technical risk.
Coordinate closely with Systems, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Test.
Lead design reviews and technical risk assessments.
Build a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Support integration, qualification, environmental testing, and flight readiness.
Remove roadblocks for engineering teams while maintaining accountability.