Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and develop space-rated mechanisms including release systems, motorized actuators, and gear trains
• Perform mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and kinematic studies
• Create 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX
• Support mechanical simulations and FEA to validate strength and performance
• Design and develop prototype assemblies and test mechanisms
• Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA)
• Lead mechanical support for environmental testing including TVAC, vibration, and shock testing
• Generate engineering documentation such as ICDs, assembly procedures, and test plans
• Present designs during major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience with a focus on mechanisms
• Strong knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, gear systems, and power transmission
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or NX)
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (ITAR compliance)
• Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

About the Company

Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building a new architecture for space operations. The company focuses on creating low-cost, operationally flexible, and distributed space missions that reduce reliance on consumable fuel through a 'one-to-many' system of payload deployment.