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Overview Energy · 1 month ago

Mechanism Engineer

Ashburn, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Overview Energy is turning uninterrupted sunlight in space into directable energy on Earth. The Mechanism Engineer will lead the design, development, qualification, and in‑orbit performance of spacecraft mechanisms, ensuring reliable and fault‑tolerant systems for space environments.

AerospaceHardwareSatellite Communication

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Architect, design, and analyze spacecraft mechanisms (such as deployment hinges, hold‑down and release mechanisms, latching systems) from concept through detailed design

Develop kinematic and dynamic models of mechanisms to evaluate clearances, range of motion, loads, friction, backlash, and deployment margins under launch and on‑orbit conditions

Generate detailed design specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and technical documentation for mechanism assemblies, including structural hardware, bearings, lubricants, fasteners, and actuators using CAD and industry‑standard analysis tools

Define, plan, and execute qualification and acceptance test campaigns for mechanisms and subassemblies, including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, life cycling, deployment, and functional testing

Work with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure design‑for‑manufacturability, process control, and traceability of space‑qualified mechanical components, lubricants, and materials

Support spacecraft integration and test (I&T), including installation of mechanisms, deployment and functional checkouts, anomaly troubleshooting, and test data review

Participate in failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), hazard analyses, and reliability assessments for mechanisms, and drive design improvements based on test and flight experience

Qualification

Spacecraft mechanismsMechanical designCAD proficiencyEnvironmental testingTribology knowledgeTeam collaborationProblem solvingCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with a focus on mechanical design or structures

5+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanisms, deployable space structures, precision electromechanical hardware, or closely related flight mechanical systems

Strong proficiency with CAD and mechanical analysis tools (e.g., finite element analysis, kinematic/dynamic modeling) for mechanism and structural design

Demonstrated experience with environmental and qualification testing relevant to flight hardware (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, life cycle, deployment) including test planning, execution support, and data review

Understanding of materials and tribology for space mechanisms, including selection of lubricants, coatings, and bearings suitable for vacuum and thermal extremes

U.S. citizenship and ability to work with ITAR‑controlled technical data and hardware, as required by program and regulatory constraints

Preferred

Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with emphasis on structures, mechanisms, or space systems

Hands‑on experience with design and qualification of deployment mechanisms, rotary drive mechanisms, or precision pointing mechanisms for spaceflight programs

Familiarity with space qualification and reliability standards (e.g., NASA, ECSS, MIL standards) applicable to mechanical and structural hardware

Experience with non‑pyrotechnic release devices, stepper or brushless DC motor‑driven mechanisms, and associated control electronics interfaces

Prior involvement in on‑orbit deployment or mechanism anomaly resolution on operational spacecraft