Senior Mechanical Engineer

Kapta Space • Redmond, WA

36d • Onsite

About The Position

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking on the ground and in the air. Kapta is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to be responsible for full lifecycle development of electromechanical hardware for a spaceborne radar payload. This position requires a self-driven engineer capable of working independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary startup environment. The candidate must have a demonstrated capability to apply advanced technical principles, theories and concepts. The ideal candidate must have the drive and experience to complete projects independently and on time. Kapta Space recognizes that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds; if you bring relevant experience and the capacity to grow into this role, we encourage you to apply. The position may be structured at a junior or senior level based on the selected candidate’s strengths, with salary and benefits adjusted accordingly.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in mechanical, aerospace engineering or related discipline
• 6+ years of mechanical and thermal design or equivalent experience
• Strong skills in CAD design (ex: OnShape) and Finite Element analysis (ex: Ansys)
• Experience with Electronics Packaging and PCB design
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to clearly present technical findings and collaborate effectively across engineering functions.
• U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electronically-steered or phased-array radar systems, including beam-steering, calibration approaches and general space reliability.
• Experience developing RF systems hardware such as waveguide, antennas, or phase-matched cables
• Experience selecting materials such as metal alloys, plastics, finishes, lubricants, insulative materials, films, composites, tapes, adhesives, or electrical components for use in Low Earth Orbit.
• Setting up and running 3-axis or 5-axis CNC milling machines, Wire EDM machines, CMM Metrology Systems, or other advanced manufacturing/testing systems.
• Experience using Thermal Desktop, Ansys Mechanical or Ansys IcePak.
• An active or previously held US Government TS/SCI security clearance is considered a strong plus
• Experience in defense contracting environments or ISR/target-tracking radar missions.
• Prior work in small, fast-iteration aerospace teams.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for full lifecycle development of electromechanical hardware for a spaceborne radar payload.
• Work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to develop rugged printed circuit board systems, avionics enclosures, RF systems, power systems, and mounting solutions for use in harsh environments such as Low Earth Orbit.
• Take “Responsible Engineer” ownership of successful delivery of hardware from requirements definition and design all the way through fabrication, test and qualification.
• Perform mechanical analysis tasks such as bolted joint analysis, modal vibration analysis, static/dynamic thermal analysis, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Build hardware to pass an environmental qualification test plan (such as SMC-S-16).
• Generate organized and flexible 3D CAD.
• Manage schedule and integration requirements for payload development and spacecraft integration to ensure on-time delivery.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Benefits

• Competitive equity grants that reward innovation, impact, and long-term growth.
• Total compensation philosophy is designed to recognize excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and shared success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior