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CesiumAstro · 1 day ago

Principal Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II

Denver Metropolitan Area

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$145K/yr - $180K/yr

11+ years exp

CesiumAstro is a company focused on developing innovative communication systems for space and airborne platforms. They are seeking a Principal Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II to lead a team in the mechanical design and development of spacecraft, ensuring robust designs from concept through to space flight.

AerospaceDronesSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Leading a team of engineers responsible for mechanical aspects of CesiumAstro spacecraft, subsystems, and interfaces through all phases of the development process

Direct, mentor, and grow a team of upcoming engineers in the design of a novel satellite

Manage a small team to develop satellites and put them in orbit

Responsible for delivering robust mechanical designs from concept through space flight including requirements definition, architecture trades and block diagrams, analysis, manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support

Collaborate closely with GNC, EPS, CDH, Payload, RF, Systems, and AI&T teams

Present engineering design review materials to customers and executive team

Participate in proposal-writing efforts

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringSatellite DesignCAD ToolsEnvironmental TestingFailure RecoveryStructural AnalysisManufacturing ProcessesTeam LeadershipCommunication SkillsProblem SolvingCollaborationAttention to Detail

Required

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university or institution

11 years of experience in communications satellite structures and mechanisms design from concept design to decommissioning across multiple programs

At least 5 years of experience leading technical teams

Significant contributions to multiple flight missions, plus lead ownership of one or more full mechanical development cycles at the space vehicle level

Ability to support subsystem leads with clear mechanical interfaces and cross-functional alignment

Hands-on experience in satellite and large instrument AI&T that leads directly to design implementation

Strong opinions on the meaning of engineering rigor and lean process

Experience including failure and recovery of mechanism operations in test and in operations, as well as loss of mission due to mechanism failure (experience with success as well!)

At least one experience with a structural failure in environmental test and recovery from that failure

Strong fundamentals including mechanics of materials, hand calcs, and engineering rules of thumb

Experience in conducting architectural trade studies including parametric and first-order cost and physical analysis

Experience as a reviewer for structural and thermal analysis to ensure designs meet requirements and manufacturability needs

Experience with professional mechanical and FEA CAD tools, such as SolidWorks Simulation, Ansys, and Nastran

Design and build for manufacturing and cost

Expertise in CNC manufacturing and GD&T as evidenced by ability to implement and critique mechanical drawings

Experience with design and manufacturing of composite sandwich panels including an understanding of the trades and benefits of each in satellite structures

Experience in designing spacecraft primary and secondary structures in a variety of materials

Familiarity with design for test, manufacturability, assembly, and reliability

Familiarity with spacecraft AI&T

Hands-on experience supporting environmental test campaigns (vibe, shock, TVAC)