Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world's only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial D2D system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk's service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.

Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.

By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.

As a Mechanical Engineer at Lynk, you will be responsible for the analysis, design, build, and enhancement of the mechanical systems associated with our satellite communications payloads, satellites, testbeds, testing equipment, etc. Previous satellite design experience is required to be considered for this role. Some work products will include mechanical models of space and ground systems in CAD software, such as SolidWorks, and thermal analysis, structural analysis, vibration analysis, and finite element analysis to support critical system trades. In addition to design, you will also be responsible for integration and testing support of critical hardware systems such as satellite mechanical, structural, and electrical subsystems. While mechanically focused, your role will involve working closely with the Electrical, RF, Software, and Systems teams at the company.

If you enjoy the challenge of wearing many hats and have a track record of creative thinking to solve unconventional problems, then we look forward to meeting you!

Core Responsibilities

• Leading design and modeling of satellite and payload hardware, also some equipment for use on the ground and in the lab, using SolidWorks.
• Developing materials and structural such as, vibration, and analyses of space hardware.
• Performing thermal analyses of components and the entire system in all operational modes.
• Interface with systems, harness, software, and electrical RF engineering teams to inform satellite and payload mechanical design and layout.
• Support satellite and payload integration, testing, delivery to launch, and satellite bus partners and vendors.
• Designing and planning mechanical testing configurations on the ground when testing payload communications performance both in-lab and in-orbit. This has more mechanical aspects than you might think.
• Mechatronics work including testing, integration, assembly, and prototyping of electronic and mechanical hardware.
• Support the development and maintenance of technical documentation for payload and satellite design and development.
• Must be good with computers. Fluent in Windows; Proficient with Microsoft Office - Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience working on projects doing design, integration, or test of space hardware.
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experienced and highly proficient in 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.
• Must be good with computers. Fluent in Windows; Proficient with Microsoft Office - Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings.
• Experience with manufacturing and fabrication methods and tools. Machine shop experience is highly desired.
• Hands-on experience with integrating hardware and electronics or full satellites
• Experience performing thermal, modal, random vibration, or structural finite element and hand calc analyses of individual components and integrated systems with tools such as Femap, NASTRAN, Ansys, or Thermal Desktop etc.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other programming languages.

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.

Job Location: Chantilly, VA