Sr. Mechanical Engineer – Spacecraft Launch Systems & Mechanisms

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth. With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection. We are seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in shaping Xona’s spacecraft launch integration strategy and deployment architecture. This engineer will drive major mechanical trade studies related to launch configuration, packaging efficiency, structural load paths, and deployment strategy — working closely across Mechanical, GNC, EE, Payload, and Operations to guide architecture decisions. Beyond launch-focused work, this role will contribute to core spacecraft mechanical design, bringing broad aerospace experience and full ownership from concept through flight and production. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Launch Architecture & Mechanical Trade Studies - Lead major trade studies on spacecraft launch configuration (stacking, packaging efficiency, structural load paths). - Drive data-informed decisions across cost, risk, schedule, and scalability. - Evaluate internal vs. commercial deployer strategies. - Translate launch environments into actionable mechanical design requirements and margin strategies. - Act as a key technical voice in vehicle-level architecture decisions. Deployer & Mechanisms Engineering - Design and develop separation and deployment mechanisms. - Define latch, preload, and release architectures with high reliability. - Create detailed CAD and release drawings with proper GD&T. - Perform tolerance stack-ups and ensure manufacturability. - Support PDR/CDR with clear technical rationale and risk ownership. Structural Design & Validation - Perform or guide FEA, modal analysis, and correlation with test. - Support vibration, shock, and environmental testing campaigns. - Define ascent load cases and interface conditions. - Own anomaly resolution with urgency and rigor. Flight Hardware Ownership - Own hardware across multiple subsystems from clean-sheet concept through qualification and production. - Drive build plans, inspection criteria, and acceptance processes. - Identify risks early and drive mitigation without prompting. Cross-Functional & External Collaboration - Interface with deployer vendors and launch providers. - Review ICDs and ensure system compatibility. - Act as connective tissue across engineering, manufacturing, and operations. - Mentor junior engineers and raise the team’s technical bar. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering - 7+ years of aerospace mechanical design experience - Demonstrated ownership of flight hardware from concept through flight - Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and PDM systems - Experience designing for launch environments - Experience performing or guiding FEA for structural systems - Hands-on build, integration, and test experience - Experience with vibration and shock testing - Strong engineering judgment in architecture trade studies - U.S. Person status required DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with spacecraft hardware - Experience with spacecraft deployers or separation systems - Experience interfacing with launch providers - Background at high-iteration aerospace companies - Experience designing high-reliability mechanisms - Experience transitioning hardware into production - Experience influencing vehicle-level architecture For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance