Principle Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing and analyzing spacecraft mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, and ground support equipment, that will ultimately operate in space. You will own parts design, perform critical analyses to ensure hardware performance and reliability in demanding environments, and create detailed CAD models and documentation. In addition, you will support assembly and testing activities and lead a small team of engineers and designers in a fast-paced, startup setting where innovation, learning from failure, and building hardware that flies are central to the culture.

Responsibilities

• Design and draft mechanical systems for spacecraft, including structures, MGSE (mechanical ground support equipment), actuators, and mechanisms.
• Develop detailed parts designs that meet performance, reliability, and environmental requirements for space hardware.
• Perform analyses required to satisfy internal requirements for hardware performance, operational life, and environmental conditions such as shock, vibration, and space environments.
• Create 3D models and comprehensive design documentation for mechanical systems using CAD tools, with a focus on SolidWorks.
• Support assembly and test activities, including performance testing and qualification in shock, vibration, and space-relevant environments.
• Lead and manage a team of approximately 3–5 engineers and designers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day direction.
• Collaborate closely with program managers to plan and track schedules, budgets, and timelines for mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Contribute to a culture of rapid iteration, learning from failures, and continuous improvement in mechanical design and testing.
• Work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines to ensure mechanical designs integrate smoothly into the overall system architecture.
• Maintain clear documentation and communication of design decisions, test results, and analysis outcomes for internal stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years expierence in leadership or managment.
• 10+ Years expierence in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Proficiency in mechanical design and drafting for complex systems such as spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Strong experience using SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mechanical design documentation.
• Hands-on experience with mechanism design, including actuators and moving assemblies for high-reliability applications.
• Solid understanding and practical application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for precise mechanical drawings and manufacturing.
• Ability to perform mechanical analyses to validate hardware performance, life, and environmental suitability, including shock and vibration.
• Experience supporting assembly and test activities for mechanical hardware in demanding environments.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and guide a small engineering and design team.
• Effective collaboration skills to work with program managers on schedules, budgets, and timelines.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a willingness to iterate and learn from test outcomes and failures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Aerospace industry experience is preferred, particularly in spacecraft or space hardware development.
• Familiarity with mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) used for spacecraft integration and testing.
• Background in designing hardware intended to operate in space or other extreme environments.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving requirements and priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal forms with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Interest in on-orbit refueling, in-space infrastructure, or advanced space systems architectures.

Work Environment

The role is part of a close-knit team of engineers working in an open workspace where collaboration and transparency are encouraged. Leadership sits alongside the engineering team, reinforcing a hands-on, accessible culture. The guiding motto is "Build, Break, Fly," reflecting a strong emphasis on rapid prototyping, testing, and learning from failures to improve future designs. The company is pioneering in-space refueling infrastructure, providing the opportunity to contribute directly to hardware that will fly and operate in orbit. The position follows a hybrid work model, with three days on-site and two days remote, and offers flexible working hours. The organization supports work-life balance with unlimited paid time off and pays employee insurance premiums, fostering a supportive and high-trust environment focused on innovation and growth.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, CO.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $72.11/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 Lafayette,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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.