Motive Companies ยท 14 hours ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Engineer
Alameda, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $185K/yr
5+ years expMotive Companies is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and manufacturability of next-generation Hall-effect thrusters for spacecraft propulsion. This leadership role is critical for ensuring that propulsion systems achieve high performance and reliability while being optimized for cost-effective production.
Environmental ConsultingIndustrialRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Own the mechanical architecture of Hall-effect thrusters, including discharge channels, magnetic circuits, and electrode assemblies
Drive DFM/DFA practices to scale hardware from prototypes into high-volume production
Specify advanced materials, coatings, and joining methods suitable for plasma environments and long-duration missions
Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to validate designs against launch and space environments
Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve producibility challenges and qualify vendors
Lead and support mechanical testing campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, life testing) for flight hardware
Partner with plasma physics, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure integrated thruster performance
Mentor engineers, review designs, and serve as subject matter expert in manufacturable spacecraft propulsion hardware
Champion continuous improvement to simplify, standardize, and modularize designs for reduced cost and faster production cycles
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field
5+ years of experience in mechanical design of aerospace hardware (propulsion or high-reliability spacecraft systems)
Expertise in structural, thermal, and materials design considerations for spaceflight hardware
Proven track record applying DFM/DFA principles to aerospace hardware transitioned into production
Proficiency with CAD and analysis tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, ANSYS, or equivalent)
Hands-on experience with qualification testing (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA, ESA, ECSS, MIL-STD, or equivalent)
Strong communication and leadership skills with ability to mentor teams and influence system-level decisions
Must meet ITAR/EAR compliance as a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or be eligible for licensing
Subject to background checks and, if applicable, government contract clearance
Applicants in San Francisco will be considered consistent with the Fair Chance Ordinance
Preferred
Direct experience with electric propulsion hardware (Hall-effect thrusters, ion engines)
Knowledge of high-temperature materials, ceramics, or coatings for plasma-facing components
Experience scaling hardware from development units to flight production
Familiarity with additive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing techniques for propulsion
Previous leadership as a mechanical lead or system architect for flight-qualified hardware
Company
Motive Companies
Motive Companies is a provider of renewable energy and infrastructure solutions for industrial and commercial applications.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
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