Mechanical Systems · Mechanical Systems
Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer
Develop deployment, pointing and motion mechanisms for antennas, solar arrays, optical terminals and other moving assemblies.
Role mandate
Build the capability for the era ahead.
This team member will combine subject-matter depth, sound judgment and disciplined execution to move the mission from architecture to measurable results.
Responsibilities
- Own the Mechanical Systems workstream for Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer and deliver measurable technical or operating outcomes.
- Own requirements, interfaces, performance budgets and verification for flight and ground systems.
- Coordinate hardware, software, payload, bus, network and mission-operation dependencies.
- Drive design reviews, risk retirement, integration and readiness through the mission lifecycle.
Required qualifications
- Engineering experience with spacecraft, payloads, RF systems, avionics, antennas or ground systems.
- Working knowledge of requirements management, interface control and verification.
- Ability to perform disciplined analysis and communicate technical risk.
Preferred experience
- Experience taking flight hardware or mission systems through qualification and operations.
- Familiarity with constellation, optical-link or quantum-communications programs.
Scientific and technical requirements
Physics, mathematics and engineering foundations
- Statics, dynamics, strength of materials, vibration, fatigue, fracture, tribology and precision mechanism design.
- Linear algebra, differential equations, finite elements, modal analysis, tolerance statistics and uncertainty.
Mathematics and working equations
- Stress σ = F/A, strain ε = ΔL/L and elastic response σ = Eε within material limits.
- Modal dynamics Mẍ + Cẋ + Kx = F(t); first-mode frequency and response must clear launch/control requirements.
- Euler buckling Pcr = π²EI/(KL)²; apply joint, imperfection and load-path knockdowns.
- Mechanism torque budget includes inertia, friction, harness, preload, thermal distortion and deployment margin.
Hardware, flight and infrastructure components
- Primary panels/frames, brackets, fasteners, inserts, launch-vehicle adapter, optical bench and alignment features.
- Hinges, bearings, gears, latches, hold-down/release devices, motors, encoders, limit switches, lubricants and launch restraints.
Software, laboratory and analysis tools
- CAD and GD&T; NASTRAN/ANSYS/Abaqus or equivalent FEA; MATLAB/Python; tolerance and mechanism dynamics analysis.
- Shakers, load frames, modal hammers, strain gauges, accelerometers, photogrammetry and metrology equipment.
Verification and mission skills
- Static strength, buckling, fatigue, modal survey, sine/random vibration, shock, deployment cycles, life, alignment and workmanship inspection.
Authoritative technical references
The hiring sequence will follow operating milestones and project requirements. The position may begin through advisory, consulting or project-based work before moving into a full-time role.
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