Mechanical Engineer-Space Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer – Space Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced robotic systems for space applications. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team to create mechanical and electromechanical hardware, develop test systems, support prototype builds, and help mature next-generation robotic technologies from concept through testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and develop mechanical and electromechanical systems for robotic and space hardware applications.
• Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD tools.
• Support prototype builds, including assembly, integration, and iteration of mechanical and electromechanical hardware.
• Lead or support system integration activities, ensuring mechanical components interface correctly with electrical, software, and control systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical systems, identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Design and develop test fixtures, test stands, and verification systems to validate hardware performance.
• Participate in hardware testing activities, including thermal, vacuum, environmental, and electromechanical testing.
• Perform engineering calculations to support design decisions and ensure structural integrity, performance, and reliability.
• Conduct root cause investigations for mechanical and electromechanical issues and implement design improvements based on findings.
• Support product development through all phases, from initial concept and design through prototyping, integration, and testing.
• Collaborate closely with software, controls, electrical, and systems engineers on multidisciplinary projects.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Work independently within a small, fast-paced engineering team while contributing to highly collaborative projects.
• Apply mechanical design principles and best practices to develop robust, reliable, and manufacturable systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, test methods, and documentation standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3–7+ years of engineering experience in mechanical or electromechanical system design and development.
• Experience designing mechanical systems with moving components, mechanisms, actuators, bearings, motors, or robotic assemblies.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software for modeling, assembly creation, and engineering drawing generation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, including mechanisms, structures, and dynamic systems.
• Experience supporting hardware integration, assembly, testing, or validation activities.
• Ability to independently execute engineering tasks with minimal oversight while meeting technical and schedule requirements.
• Strong skills in engineering documentation, including clear and accurate drawings and specifications.
• Hands-on approach to working with hardware, including troubleshooting and resolving mechanical issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing dynamic mechanical systems with moving components, actuators, motors, mechanisms, or robotic hardware.
• Experience in aerospace, spacecraft, aircraft, robotics, automotive, defense, semiconductor equipment, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Experience with robotic systems, electromechanical devices, motion systems, or automation equipment.
• Experience designing or supporting test stands and verification equipment for mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Exposure to GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and engineering drawing creation for precision assemblies.
• Experience working with mechanisms, structures, or dynamic systems operating in demanding or harsh environments.
• Familiarity with thermal, vibration, or environmental testing methods and standards.
• Hands-on prototyping, machining, fabrication, or hardware troubleshooting experience.
• Experience in new product development, from concept through prototype and testing phases.
• Interest in space systems, advanced robotics, and next-generation technologies.

Work Environment

You will work in a small, fast-paced engineering team that emphasizes collaboration across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and systems disciplines. The environment combines office-based design work using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks with frequent hands-on activities in lab and test areas. You will regularly interact with mechanical and electromechanical hardware, including prototype assemblies, test fixtures, test stands, and verification systems. The role involves participation in thermal, vacuum, environmental, and electromechanical testing, as well as hardware integration and troubleshooting. The culture supports innovation, practical problem-solving, and ownership of designs from concept through testing, offering exposure to advanced robotic and space technologies in a highly engineered setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.