Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are:   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. What You’ll Do: The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will provide guidance for design and prototype builds for the Space Kinetic core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment.  Design and develop system and subsystem assemblies, mechanisms and moving assemblies including linkages, gears, cams, actuators, and precision motion systems. Perform mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and kinematic studies to ensure reliable operation. Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA or NX.   Support the mechanical simulations and FEA teams creating step files, simplified reps and volumes to assist with the modeling to validate strength, fatigue, and functional performance. Design and develop prototype assemblies and test mechanisms to validate functionality and operational stability. Work with and support cross-functional teams including simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering.   Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives to drive down cost and schedule. Prepare technical documentation, test plans, and support design reviews.   Key Responsibilities: Mechanism Development   Design and develop  space-rated mechanisms , including:   Release and separation systems   Motorized actuators and gear trains   Payload pointing mechanisms   Precision robotic or kinematic mechanisms   Mechanism torque and friction calculations   Select appropriate  space-qualified materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings .   Support  finite element analysis (FEA)  and mechanism performance simulations.   Prototyping & Testing   Support development of hardware design and build s  as well as prototype testing.   Investigate functional test anomalies and implement corrective design changes.   Lead mechanical support for  environmental testing , including:   Thermal Vacuum (TVAC)   Random vibration   Shock testing   Deployment testing   Manufacturing & Integration   Work closely with manufacturing and producibility teams to ensure  designs are producible and testable .   Support  assembly, integration, and test (AIT)  of spacecraft hardware.   Provide hands-on support during  payload integration and spacecraft assembly .   Documentation & Reviews   Follow design and hardware I&T processes   Generate and maintain  engineering documentation , including:   Mechanical design packages   Interface Control Documents (ICDs)   Assembly procedures   Test plans and reports   Present designs during major program reviews:   SRR (System Requirements Review)   PDR (Preliminary Design Review)   CDR (Critical Design Review)   TRR (Test Readiness Review)   What It Takes:   Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.  5+ years of mechanical design experience with focus on mechanisms.  Strong knowledge of:  Kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms  Gear systems, cams, linkages, springs  Bearings and power transmission components  Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX).  Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.  Familiarity with prototype development and testing Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.   Ability to build and maintain a network of talented individuals. Prioritizes organizational and planning skills.   To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).   Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.   What We’d Love:   Experience designing deployable space mechanisms.  Knowledge of space-rated materials, lubricants, and bearings.  Experience with spacecraft structures and payload integration.  Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft development standards.  Hands-on experience in prototype builds and mechanism troubleshooting.  Strong understanding of mechanism kinematics and dynamics  Experience designing high-reliability aerospace hardware  Ability to work in cross-disciplinary engineering teams  Strong problem-solving and root-cause investigation skills  Experience working in fast-paced spaceflight development programs  Where You’ll Be: