Senior Mechanical Engineer

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Mechanical Lead for select Loft missions, owning mechanical analysis budgets and design documentation
• Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings and 3D models using CAD software
• Perform structural and thermal analysis of small payload components and spacecraft
• Generate test plans and procedures for structural and thermal verification activities
• Support Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) for all stages of space missions, including MGSE procurement
• Work with suppliers, customers, and subcontractors as the primary mechanical point of contact
• Define and document requirements, specifications, and interfaces within a multi-disciplinary team

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft subsystems, payloads, and vehicle mechanical design
• Proficiency with Solidworks or similar CAD software
• Expertise in spacecraft-level FEA and structural analysis using solvers like Nastran, ANSYS, or Femap
• Practical experience with vibration and thermal testing, including data reduction and report generation
• Detailed understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis
• Experience delivering spacecraft to ECSS or NASA GEVS standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to perform Craig Bampton (CB) model reduction for launch authorities
• Experience with thermal/structural combined analysis modeling
• Practical experience in the assembly and integration of satellite hardware
• Proven experience with optical payloads integration
• End-to-end satellite mission experience

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Flexible Time Off policy and 12 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan and equity options
• Fully paid parental leave (14 weeks for birthing parents, 10 weeks for non-birthing parents)
• Daily catered lunches and snacks in the office
• Relocation assistance when applicable

About the Company

Loft Orbital provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, and national security.