Role Title: Mechanical Aerospace Engineer – Deployable Space Systems
Overview
An early-stage, venture-backed aerospace and defense organization is entering its active hardware development phase following a successful transition from conceptual design to flight-test preparation. The company is developing reusable orbital vehicle technology focused on deployable space systems, satellite propulsion and fuel architectures, and rapid-response orbital mission capability.
With an upcoming atmospheric drop test scheduled for July 2026, the organization is expanding its core engineering team ahead of a major hiring wave in July–August 2026.
This is a high-autonomy, hands-on role suited for engineers who have worked on real flight hardware and are comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments where execution speed and engineering rigor are equally critical.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or contribute to mechanical design of deployable aerospace systems for orbital and suborbital applications
- Develop and iterate CAD models for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and integrated flight hardware
- Support full lifecycle development: concept → design → prototyping → testing → flight validation
- Design lightweight, high-reliability mechanical systems for space and atmospheric conditions
- Participate in rapid design-build-test cycles tied to upcoming flight and drop-test campaigns
- Work cross-functionally with propulsion, systems engineering, and test teams
- Support hardware integration, troubleshooting, and test campaign execution
- Contribute to design decisions that directly impact flight performance and mission success
Required Experience
- 5+ years of mechanical/aerospace design experience (or equivalent high-impact experience)
- Strong CAD expertise (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar)
- Direct experience with flight hardware or aerospace systems
- Background in at least one of the following:
- Deployable space structures or mechanisms
- Spacecraft or launch vehicle systems
- Aerospace test and validation environments
- Precision mechanical systems under extreme environments
- Proven ability to operate in fast-paced engineering environments with minimal oversight
Location Preference
Primary and flexible locations:
- Florida (preferred) – near Kennedy Space Center
- Arizona (secondary engineering hub option)
Compensation & Structure
- Base salary: ~$96,000 – $120,000 + Equity participation available after Year 1
- Structured salary increase following first year completion (performance + company milestones)
Business Context
The organization is:
- Funded through defense and Space Force-aligned programs
- Focused on responsive space, reusable orbital systems, and deployable spacecraft technology
- Transitioning from prototype development into active engineering and flight validation
- Building capabilities in:
- Satellite fuel systems
- Deployable orbital structures
- Rapid mission reconstitution technologies
- Hypersonic-capable atmospheric test systems
The team operates lean, highly technical, and execution-driven, with significant emphasis on real-world testing and rapid iteration cycles.