Own mechanical systems engineering for multiple spacecraft missions from proposal through flight. Responsibilities include mission configuration, payload accommodation design and analysis, build and test, design reviews, requirements verification, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration with avionics, propulsion, GNC, software, test, mission operations, customers, and partners.
As a Staff Mechanical Systems Engineer at Impulsefor our Vehicle Engineering Team, you will own all aspects of the design, analysis, build, test and integration of multiple missions for our Mira spacecraft – working with cross-functional engineering teams to accomplish this. This role blends mechanical engineering and systems engineering to support a spacecraft that is scaling from single digit to 10s of missions per year.
Responsibilities
- Act as the primary mechanical systems engineer for multiple missions from proposal to flight
- Work with all departments to define mission specific configurations associated RF, soft goods, avionics, propulsion, GNC, and mission operations.
- Design, analyze, build, and test the mechanical accommodations for payloads of varying requirements on each mission
- Optimize mission workflow across the vehicle engineering department to support an increased number of missions owned per engineer
- Hold and lead mission conceptual, preliminary, and critical design reviews to ensure all mission requirements are tracked, met, and verified
- Interface with mission management and customers during all phases of the program lifecycle
- Collaborate effectively with partner teams (such as avionics, software, test and GNC) to create a high performing, integrated system
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 6+ years demonstrated experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems on spacecraft or similar vehicles
- Strong knowledge of spacecraft components, subsystems, and systems
- Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods
- Proficiency with CAD software, assembly management, and GD&T
- Proficiency with analysis software and demonstrated experience analyzing mechanical components under varying environments and loading conditions
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across different teams
- Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 10+ years of demonstrated experience working as a mechanical engineer owning complex cross-department systems
- Experience working on spacecraft programs ranging from proposal to flight
- Experience in a startup or agile development environment
- Experience with NX, Teamcenter, Ansys and FEMAP
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
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