Senior Mechanisms Engineer

Job Description

Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space. 

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models. 

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced mechanical engineer for the design, analysis, and optimization of complex spaceflight mechanisms. This role involves end-to-end responsibility from conceptual design through production and operation. This position will require a high level of comfort with open design spaces, prototyping, and being hands on with hardware. Submitting a portfolio is strongly encouraged. If you consider yourself to be a builder, maker, or doer, please apply!

What you'll do

• Mechanical Design & Analysis:
• Ownership of the design and analysis of space mechanisms. 
• Ideate and prototype solutions to design problems.
• Develop and maintain detailed CAD models, design documentation, and manufacturing drawings.
• Perform analysis verification for designs and evaluate compliance to expected environments.
• System Coordination: 
• Work closely with the Systems Engineering team to ensure mechanisms systems integrate effectively with overall mission objectives and both electrical and fluid subsystems. 
• Design Optimization: 
• Rapidly iterate on designs to inform product direction and aid system level trades. 
• Apply design for manufacturability (DFM and DFA) principles to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• End to End Program Support: 
• Manage the entire lifecycle, through qualification testing of your products.
• With the support of program management, drive product delivery timelines and ensure high-quality, timely outputs.
• Proactively identify and address technical challenges. 
• Collaboration & Communication: 
• Foster effective communication with team members and customers. 
• Maintain positive working relationships and promote a productive work environment. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in mechanism or robotics design, fabrication, and/or test
• Proficiency in CAD
• Experience taking a product from concept to operation
• Knowledge of space rated materials and design trades around material choices
• Can work effectively both autonomously and in a multidisciplinary team
• An effective sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, small company environment
• Strong background in GD&T, materials selection, and manufacturing methods
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, strategic, statistical, and personal skills
• Must be willing and able to work a hybrid schedule (3-5 days a week on site) out of our Lafayette, CO office

Nice to Have:

• 10+ years of experience in design, fabrication, and/or test of mechanisms
• Experience with SolidWorks, NASTRAN, MATLAB, and programming languages (e.g., Python)
• Experience with the space environment, spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
• Experience with complex mechanism design including robotic actuators
• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline or related field
• Proven ability to manage complex projects

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Location and Benefits

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

Eligibility

Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Export Control Requirement

This position requires access to technology, technical data, or software that is subject to U.S. export control restrictions under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To conform with these regulations, Orbit Fab requires that applicants for this position be U.S. Persons as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C § 1324b(a)(3).

The pay range for this role is:

• 125,000 - 173,000 USD per year (HQ)