Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. What You’ll Do: The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will provide guidance for design and prototype builds for the Space Kinetic core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. Design and develop system and subsystem assemblies, mechanisms and moving assemblies including linkages, gears, cams, actuators, and precision motion systems. Perform mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and kinematic studies to ensure reliable operation. Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA or NX. Support the mechanical simulations and FEA teams creating step files, simplified reps and volumes to assist with the modeling to validate strength, fatigue, and functional performance. Design and develop prototype assemblies and test mechanisms to validate functionality and operational stability. Work with and support cross-functional teams including simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering. Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives to drive down cost and schedule. Prepare technical documentation, test plans, and support design reviews. Key Responsibilities: Mechanism Development Design and develop space-rated mechanisms , including: Release and separation systems Motorized actuators and gear trains Payload pointing mechanisms Precision robotic or kinematic mechanisms Mechanism torque and friction calculations Select appropriate space-qualified materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings . Support finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanism performance simulations. Prototyping & Testing Support development of hardware design and build s as well as prototype testing. Investigate functional test anomalies and implement corrective design changes. Lead mechanical support for environmental testing , including: Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Random vibration Shock testing Deployment testing Manufacturing & Integration Work closely with manufacturing and producibility teams to ensure designs are producible and testable . Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) of spacecraft hardware. Provide hands-on support during payload integration and spacecraft assembly . Documentation & Reviews Follow design and hardware I&T processes Generate and maintain engineering documentation , including: Mechanical design packages Interface Control Documents (ICDs) Assembly procedures Test plans and reports Present designs during major program reviews: SRR (System Requirements Review) PDR (Preliminary Design Review) CDR (Critical Design Review) TRR (Test Readiness Review) What It Takes: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or re