Staff Mechanical Engineer, Research and Development

Lunar Outpost • Golden, CO

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lunar Outpost is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Research and Development, to contribute to its work in space robotics and planetary vehicles, including the Pegasus LTV. The role involves mechanical design, analysis, hardware selection and assembly, prototyping, testing, compliance with applicable NASA standards, and preparation of engineering products for milestone and safety reviews. The engineer will collaborate across multiple projects in a fast-paced startup environment and develop manufacturing plans using a range of processes.

The position is onsite Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where applicable, employees may work remotely on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency using SolidWorks to design parts and assemblies and produce drawings.
• Proficiency setting up and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models and results.
• Proficiency in CAM and slicing software.
• Proficiency creating part drawings.
• Proficiency in GD&T and design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Prior experience maintaining CAD files and drawings in a configuration management environment.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly create prototypes or proof-of-concept hardware.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and driven to meet critical deadlines.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. Person.

Nice To Haves

• CSWP certificate from Dassault Systems.
• Proficiency in Bild, GrabCAD Workbench, Git, or similar CAD management software.
• Proficiency in CAM software such as HSMWorks or MasterCAM.
• Experience designing or maintaining automobiles, such as shop, formula, Baja, or track vehicles.
• Experience designing for human factors and ergonomics.
• Proficiency in prototype manufacturing techniques such as CNC and welding.
• Relevant experience in technology, hardware, and/or spaceflight startup environments.
• Prior experience designing mechanical hardware for space programs.
• Proficiency using trade studies as a decision-making aid.
• Prior experience in an aerospace startup environment.
• Relevant experience with NASA and government customers, deliverables, reviews, and standards.
• Familiarity with standard aerospace review processes such as MCR, PDR, and CDR.

Responsibilities

• Design parts and assemblies, including vehicle structures, electronics packaging, mechanisms, and deployable structures, using CAD best practices to support robust and reliable designs.
• Perform basic loads and stress analysis using FEA and hand calculations to optimize parts for weight savings and verify designs against anticipated loads.
• Participate in selecting materials, hardware, actuators, and sensors.
• Inspect and assemble a variety of hardware.
• Participate in rapid prototyping efforts and test events to validate concepts quickly and cost-effectively.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable NASA standards, including mechanisms approaches, structural margins, and tolerance stack-up.
• Prepare mechanical engineering products for milestone and safety reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers across multiple projects, managing time allocations and supporting adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Develop manufacturing plans for parts using processes such as CNC milling, 3D printing, welding, turning, sheet metal bending, water-jetting, and laser cutting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer.
• Three weeks of vacation per year.
• Retirement plan with up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions.
• 11 company-recognized paid holidays.
• Parental leave.
• Educational reimbursement opportunities supporting company objectives, continued learning, and career development.

What This Job Offers

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