Senior Machine Design Engineer
About The Position
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
- 7+ years of professional experience designing complex machines, mechanical systems, or precision mechanisms.
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings.
- Strong knowledge of machine design, mechanical component selection, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
- Experience using hand calculations and FEA to guide and validate mechanical designs.
- Working knowledge of CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, and related production processes.
- Demonstrated experience taking hardware from concept through prototype, test, qualification, and production.
- Ability to maintain a U.S. Goverment security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing aerospace, spacecraft, defense, robotics, industrial automation, or other high-performance electromechanical systems.
- Experience with gear trains, linkages, cams, bearings, belt and chain drives, linear-motion systems, and direct-drive motors.
- Experience designing springs, dampers, or other energy-storage and motion-control mechanisms.
- Experience developing hardware for vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, and other demanding environments.
- Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for engineering calculations and analysis.
- Experience supporting flight hardware qualification, configuration control, and production.
Responsibilities
- Develop mechanical architectures and concepts for complex machines, precision mechanisms, structures, and assemblies.
- Own hardware from initial requirements and trade studies through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and production.
- Perform engineering calculations covering stress, fatigue, deflection, thermal expansion, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Select and integrate bearings, motors, gearboxes, ball screws, linear guides, springs, clutches, fasteners, and related components.
- Create production-ready SolidWorks models, detailed manufacturing drawings, interfaces, and GD&T specifications.
- Apply Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles while working with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
- Build and test prototypes, root-cause hardware failures, and implement corrective design actions.
- Support qualification and environmental testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum testing.
Benefits
- Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
- Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
