Staff Mechanical Engineer, Research and Development

Lunar Outpost • Arvada, CO

3d • $112,000 - $155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lunar Outpost is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer for its Research and Development team. The role supports the company’s mission to establish a permanent presence in space and contributes to development of the Pegasus Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). The position involves mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, hardware assembly and inspection, and preparation of engineering products for milestone and safety reviews. The engineer works with a team across multiple projects in a fast-paced startup environment, supporting timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

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

Requirements

• 10 or more years of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency using SolidWorks to design parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Proficiency setting up and interpreting FEA models and analysis results.
• Proficiency with 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.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills.
• Excellent 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, including 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 a technology, hardware, or spaceflight startup environment.
• 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 reviews 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, including FEA and hand calculations, to optimize parts for weight and demonstrate that designs can withstand anticipated loads.
• Participate in selecting materials, hardware, actuators, sensors, and related components.
• Inspect and assemble different types 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 while managing time and meeting timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Develop manufacturing plans for parts using processes such as CNC milling, 3D printing, welding, turning, sheet metal bending, and water-jetting or laser cutting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer.
• Three weeks of vacation per year.
• 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