Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Umbra • Santa Barbara, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer , where you will play a key role in developing next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The ideal candidate is passionate about designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware using first principles engineering, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5-7+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, with demonstrated experience supporting spacecraft programs.
• Strong multidisciplinary understanding of spacecraft structures, assembly, and mechanisms.
• In-depth knowledge of at least one launch provider’s payload users guide.
• Hands-on experience in Design for Manufacturability and following designs into low volume assembly.
• Experience taking a product or system through a Qualification or Acceptance test campaign.
• Proficiency in CAD software, with experience in design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Expertise in first principles analysis, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently research, diagnose, and clearly explain technical challenges and solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of professional spacecraft experience.
• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
• In-depth knowledge of NASA-STD-7001 or SMC-S-016 and experience applying it to create a Qualification strategy.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronics assemblies, and harnessing.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.
• Experience working with RF or Optical devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms, including:
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements.
• Developing initial design concepts and physical prototypes.
• Working closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
• Creating detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Documenting analysis and test results.
• Developing and executing work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
• Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
• Drive spacecraft components through full qualification campaigns including shock/vibe, thermal and TVAC.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
• Occasionally supporting launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Performing other duties as required.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking
• Free lunch daily in office

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees