Senior Mechanical Engineer

A VC-funded, early-stage space technology startup in Seattle is developing next-generation Geospatial Intelligence technology , centered around a proven and scalable electronically steered radar architecture.

The technology supports sophisticated spaceborne applications including Earth observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) , alongside advanced defense applications such as ground and airborne target tracking.

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of the full lifecycle development of electromechanical hardware for a spaceborne radar payload .

This is a highly hands-on position for an engineer who enjoys taking hardware from requirements and initial design through fabrication, integration, testing and environmental qualification.

What you'll be doing

• Own mechanical and electromechanical hardware from requirements definition through design, fabrication, test and qualification
• Develop rugged PCB assemblies, avionics enclosures, RF hardware, power-system packaging and mounting solutions for harsh environments including Low Earth Orbit
• Perform engineering analysis including bolted-joint, modal/vibration, static and dynamic thermal analysis and tolerance stack-ups
• Develop organized, configurable and production-ready 3D CAD
• Produce engineering drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5-2018
• Design hardware capable of successfully completing demanding environmental qualification programs
• Make informed cost, schedule and performance trade-offs across manufacturing processes including CNC machining, PCB manufacturing, additive metal manufacturing, Wire EDM, electroforming and injection molding
• Support payload development and spacecraft integration while managing technical and schedule dependencies
• Work closely with electrical, RF, thermal, manufacturing and systems engineering teams
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, innovation and ownership

What we're looking for

• BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
• 6+ years of relevant mechanical and thermal design experience, or equivalent demonstrated expertise
• Strong 3D CAD capability; experience with tools such as Onshape is particularly relevant
• Strong finite element analysis experience, including tools such as ANSYS
• Experience with electronics packaging and PCB-related mechanical design
• Experience developing hardware for demanding aerospace, defense or similarly harsh operating environments
• Understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings
• Strong ownership mentality with the ability to independently drive complex hardware projects
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present technical findings across engineering disciplines
• Ability to work on-site in Seattle, WA
• Ability to undertake occasional domestic travel, expected to be less than 10%

Particularly valuable experience

We're especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following:

• Spacecraft, satellite or Low Earth Orbit hardware development
• Electronically steered/phased-array radar systems
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ISR or target-tracking missions
• RF mechanical hardware including antennas, waveguides and phase-matched cabling
• Space-compatible materials, finishes, lubricants, films, composites, adhesives and insulating materials
• Environmental qualification standards such as SMC-S-016
• Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Mechanical or ANSYS Icepak
• CNC machining, 3-axis/5-axis milling, Wire EDM or CMM/metrology systems
• Defense contracting environments
• Active or previously held US Government TS/SCI clearance
• Experience working in small, fast-moving aerospace or space technology teams