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True Anomaly

Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft (II-III)

3d ago
USAMiddle
True Anomaly

Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft (II-III)

3d ago
USAMiddlemechanical designstructural analysisassemblysatellite systems

Mechanical Engineer responsible for designing and developing spacecraft mechanical systems ensuring space security and sustainability.

Responsibilities

  • Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies for LEO/GEO satellites, small sat platforms, and on-orbit servicing vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, and reliability requirements.
  • Assist in the development of spacecraft structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and flight hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Support the design of primary and secondary structures for launch load environments, including sine burst, random vibration, and shock, in compliance with launch vehicle ICD requirements.
  • Contribute to the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies intended for on-orbit operation.
  • Assist in the packaging and integration of electronics assemblies and avionics hardware within the spacecraft structure, with consideration for thermal interfaces, harness routing, and accessibility during integration and test.
  • Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including structural mounting, thruster bracket design, and propellant line routing.
  • Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for spacecraft components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
  • Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
  • Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
  • Assist in the development and execution of structural and mechanisms test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
  • Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • 1–7 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
  • Exposure to or coursework in spacecraft or satellite systems, including structural design, mechanisms, or space environment considerations.
  • Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
  • Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to launch and on-orbit environments.
  • Exposure to mechanisms design, including hinges, deployment systems, actuators, or other moving assemblies.
  • Familiarity with electronics packaging concepts, including thermal interface materials, harness routing, and avionics integration constraints.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
  • Work Location —Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach. 
  • Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
  • This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite 
  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
  • True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.
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Nice to have

  • Experience designing hardware for space or flight environments, including considerations for launch loads, thermal cycling, vacuum outgassing, and radiation.
  • Familiarity with smallsat or CubeSat platforms, including COTS component integration and mass-constrained design.
  • Exposure to on-orbit servicing concepts, proximity operations vehicles, or docking and capture mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions.
  • Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including thruster or tank mounting and propellant line routing.
  • Familiarity with relevant spacecraft and aerospace standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, GEVS, AIAA S-110, MIL-SPEC).
  • Exposure to full hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, and test.
  • Familiarity with configuration management and PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and engineering change processes.
  • Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines.
  • Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.

Conditions

  • Base Salary:    $90,000 - $165,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave  
  • Your actual level and base salary will be  determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.  

Other

  • Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
  • OUR MISSION
  • True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
  • OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset.   We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take?  We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It’s the people.  Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.
  • YOUR MISSION
  • As a Mechanical Engineer (II-III) at True Anomaly, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing the next generation of spacecraft that define the future of space security and sustainability. From LEO/GEO satellites to small sat platforms and on-orbit servicing vehicles, you will own the mechanical design of flight systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments known to engineering. This is a rare opportunity to shape vehicle architecture from the ground up — translating mission requirements into flight-ready hardware that safeguards access to space for the U.S. and its allies.
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