Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Principal Mechanical Engineer

$200k - $260k

Jobot

10k Relocation Bonus

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Christina Finster
Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply" button and sending us your resume.
Salary: $200,000 - $260,000 per year

A bit about us:

We are partnering with one of the fastest-growing companies in the commercial space industry. Our client is redefining how satellite constellations are designed, built, and deployed by combining cutting-edge spacecraft technology with a mission-driven approach to delivering real-world impact from space.

Founded by industry veterans from leading aerospace and satellite organizations, the company has rapidly grown into a team of over 200 engineers, scientists, and innovators focused on building next-generation space infrastructure. Their technology is already supporting critical missions and helping accelerate the future of Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and space-based intelligence.

This is an opportunity to join a company that is actively designing, building, and launching spacecraft—not simply planning for the future.

Why join us?

Own major spacecraft systems from concept through launch
Help shape the future of satellite constellation development
Work alongside engineers from top aerospace and technology companies
Influence architecture decisions, not just individual components
Join a high-growth company with significant momentum and active flight programs
Competitive compensation and meaningful equity participation
Relocation assistance available
Comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous PTO

If you're looking for a role where your work directly impacts what gets built, tested, launched, and operated in orbit, this is that opportunity.

Job Details

Our client is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced spacecraft mechanical systems. This individual will serve as a technical leader across multiple programs, helping define architecture, guide engineering decisions, mentor team members, and drive spacecraft development from concept through deployment.

This is a highly visible role with broad ownership and significant influence over both technical direction and program execution.

What You'll Do
Lead the design and development of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems
Drive architecture decisions across spacecraft platforms and payload integrations
Own mechanical system development through the entire product lifecycle
Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses to support design decisions
Support environmental qualification, integration, testing, and launch preparation
Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, systems, and mission engineering teams
Mentor and guide engineers across the organization
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and technical planning activities
Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful production and integration

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
12+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience
Significant experience developing spacecraft, satellites, aerospace vehicles, or other highly complex hardware systems
Expertise in mechanical system design, structures, mechanisms, and integration
Strong CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
Experience leading hardware development programs from concept through deployment
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
Proven technical leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Experience supporting spacecraft environmental qualification testing
Experience with satellite constellations or commercial space programs
Startup or fast-paced product development experience
Experience mentoring and developing engineering teams
Familiarity with FEA, thermal analysis, and structural analysis tools

Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary
Equity/stock option package
Relocation assistance available
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k)
Generous PTO and paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Flexible work environment
Career growth opportunities within a rapidly scaling organization

Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply" button.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal.

By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy
Vacancy posted 3 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Principal Mechanical Engineer in San Jose, CA vacancy
  •  ...thrive as part of a team.  If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you. Join the power movement as a Principal Mechanical Engineer   We’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Flexible hours
    Night shift
    Weekend work

    Commonwealth Fusion Systems

    Milpitas, CA
    14 days ago
  • $233.7k - $336.3k

     ...At 42dot, we are building the high‑performance hardware that powers the next generation of autonomous mobility. As the Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will be the technical lead for all mechanical aspects of our compute platforms. Your scope ranges from the precision... 
    Suggested

    42dot Inc.

    Sunnyvale, CA
    4 days ago
  • $239k - $260k

     ...About The Role Muon seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering team. This role focuses on leveraging deep space industry experience to optimize and mature our existing spacecraft designs while mentoring and developing our mechanical engineering... 
    Suggested
    Permanent employment
    Full time
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Muon Space

    San Jose, CA
    4 days ago
  • $150k - $225k

    # Principal Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineering### Job DetailsLocationMilpitas, California, United StatesEmployment TypeFull-timeWork ModeOn-siteLevelIndividual ContributorPosted## Principal Mechanical EngineerMilpitas, CASuperconductor – Superconductor R&D /Full... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Flexible hours
    Night shift
    Weekend work

    Fusion Energy Base

    Milpitas, CA
    4 days ago
  •  ...and stress simulation for internal and external requests. Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties Interact with Product Lines, Product Engineers and Silicon Designers in US and overseas on package design. Interact with internal assembly site and external OSAT (Out Sourcing... 
    Suggested
    Local area
    Overseas

    Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Sunnyvale, CA
    4 days ago
  • F. Hoffmann-La Roche Gruppe in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to enhance the design and development of next-generation sequencing systems. Your expertise will contribute to overcoming fluidic challenges, ensuring innovative solutions are integrated... 

    F. Hoffmann-La Roche Gruppe

    Santa Clara, CA
    1 day ago
  • $110.6k - $205.5k

     ..., is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design, development, characterization, and integration of cutting-edge sequencing systems. This is... 
    Local area
    Relocation package

    F. Hoffmann-La Roche Gruppe

    Santa Clara, CA
    1 day ago
  • Principal Mechanical Engineer III (Life Sciences) Santa Clara, United States | Posted on 02/10/2026 Our client, a world leader in biotechnology and life sciences, is looking for a " Principal Mechanical Engineer III " based out in Santa Clara, CA . Job Duration: Long... 
    Long term contract

    Dawar Consulting

    Santa Clara, CA
    2 days ago
  • $150k - $235k

     ...: PDFS) offers an end-to-end analytics platform that empowers engineers and data scientists across the semiconductor ecosystem to rapidly...  ..., Korea, and Taiwan. PDF is seeking an experienced Principql Mechanical Engineer to work on PDF’s ebeam inspection tool for Design-For... 
    Worldwide

    PDF Solutions, Inc.

    Milpitas, CA
    9 hours ago
  • $233.7k - $336.3k

    42dot Inc. is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design and product development for software-defined vehicles. This role involves driving the design of ECU enclosures, overseeing thermal strategies for high-compute electronics, and defining engineering... 

    42dot Inc.

    Sunnyvale, CA
    9 hours ago
  • $83.4k - $125.2k

     ...looking for you to join our team as a Welding Manufacturing Engineer or Principal Welding Manufacturing Engineer based in Sunnyvale, CA ....  ...and fixtures with an excellent team of experienced assembly mechanics, machinists, welders and engineers. Develop, document, and... 
    Work experience placement
    Shift work

    Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU)

    Sunnyvale, CA
    2 days ago
  • Northrop Grumman Corp. (JP) is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer Quality in Sunnyvale, CA. This role involves ensuring high-quality standards in production activities for marine propulsion and power generation equipment. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master'... 

    Northrop Grumman Corp. (JP)

    Sunnyvale, CA
    3 days ago
  • $150k - $225k

    A leading fusion energy company in Milpitas seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead R&D and equipment design for advanced thermal vacuum deposition systems. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, and skills... 
    Flexible hours

    Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC

    Milpitas, CA
    4 days ago
  • $233.7k - $336.3k

    42dot Inc. in Sunnyvale, California, is seeking a seasoned engineer for EE development in next-generation platform ECUs. You will lead initiatives to optimize hardware reliability and cost efficiency while partnering across multiple stakeholders. The ideal candidate has... 

    42dot Inc.

    Sunnyvale, CA
    1 day ago
  • A leading biotech firm is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer III in Santa Clara, CA. The candidate will lead the design and development of next-generation DNA sequencing instrumentation, focusing on complex mechanical challenges. Requirements include a PhD or advanced... 

    Dawar Consulting

    Santa Clara, CA
    4 days ago
  • $189k - $213k

     ...Job Description Job Description Job Title: Principal R&D Engineer, Mechanical Assemblies & Accessories Location : This position is based in our Campbell, California offices. This position is onsite and full time. Why Imperative Care? Do you want to make a... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement

    Imperative Care

    Campbell, CA
    10 days ago
  •  ...Job Description Job Description Acorn is looking for an experienced Sr. Mechanical Engineer that can also manage projects to take a technical leadership position and help guide our team of engineers to create innovative, world class products. This position requires... 
    Work at office
    Remote work
    2 days per week

    Acorn Product Development, Inc.

    Milpitas, CA
    5 days ago
  • $272k - $431.25k

     ...productivity. Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production‑ready software. Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction. Drive technical initiatives across... 

    NVIDIA Gruppe

    Santa Clara, CA
    3 days ago
  • Job Description Primary Function of Position The Manager of Mechanical Engineering for Instruments and Accessories leads a small to medium-sized group of mechanical design engineers in the development of instrument and accessory products for use on the da Vinci system... 

    Intuitive

    Sunnyvale, CA
    1 day ago
  • $272k - $431.25k

    Overview NVIDIA is seeking a Senior MLOps Engineering Manager to join our Autonomous Driving organization in Santa Clara, CA. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to lead the build, development, and operation of large‑scale, end‑to‑end data and ML pipelines that... 

    NVIDIA Gruppe

    Santa Clara, CA
    3 days ago
  • Imperative Care is seeking a Principal R&D Engineer based in Campbell, California. This full-time, onsite position focuses on the design and manufacturability of neurovascular and endovascular products. You will lead technical projects, develop prototypes, and mentor R... 
    Full time

    Imperative Care

    Campbell, CA
    1 day ago
  • $185k - $254k

    Applied Materials, Inc. seeks a Mechanical Engineering Manager in Santa Clara, CA. The role involves managing a team responsible for mechanical systems design, ensuring cross-functional collaboration for optimal product outcomes, and maintaining high customer satisfaction... 
    Full time

    Applied Materials, Inc.

    Santa Clara, CA
    2 days ago
  • Intuitive in Sunnyvale, California, is seeking a Manager of Mechanical Engineering to lead a team dedicated to the development of innovative surgical instruments and accessories. The ideal candidate will guide their team through all phases of the product lifecycle while... 

    Intuitive

    Sunnyvale, CA
    1 day ago
  •  ...Job Description We are seeking a Senior Advanced Packaging Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation...  ...advanced package architectures, assembly processes, thermal and mechanical reliability, and cross-functional collaboration with design, manufacturing... 
    Hourly pay
    Temporary work
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Renesas Electronics

    San Jose, CA
    10 days ago
  • $157.2k - $236.7k

    Mechanical Engineering Product Quality Manager Cupertino, California, United States Operations and Supply Chain Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion... 
    Contract work
    Worldwide
    Relocation

    Apple Inc.

    Cupertino, CA
    3 days ago
  • $200k - $350k

    Director / VP, Mechanical Engineering & Product Design About the role We are building the infrastructure for robotics and Physical AI - systems that must reliably perceive, reason, and operate in the real world at scale. We are seeking a Director / VP of Mechanical Engineering... 
    Contract work
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Lyte AI Inc.

    Sunnyvale, CA
    4 days ago
  • Acorn Product Development in Milpitas, California, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager to lead technical and project management efforts. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in multi-disciplinary product development and manage complex projects... 

    Acorn Product Development

    Milpitas, CA
    3 days ago
  • $115k - $155k

     ...BAS/HVAC Control Systems Engineer $115000 - $155000 per year | San Jose, CA | On-Site | Permanent A bit about us: We are a subsidiary...  ...developing basic databases, and interpreting floor plans to identify mechanical and electrical equipment such as VAVs, FCUs, AHUs, chillers,... 
    Permanent employment
    Local area

    Australia-Employment

    San Jose, CA
    5 days ago
  • $115k - $130k

     ...2024, fueling our expansion and the preparation for volume manufacturing. The Opportunity Halo Industries is seeking a Mechanical Engineer who will contribute to the design, testing, integration and deployment of both proprietary and commercial wafer processing equipment... 
    Temporary work

    Halo Industries, Inc.

    Santa Clara, CA
    6 days ago
  • $110k - $175k

     ...excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life...  ...everything we do. Job Description We are seeking a Mechanical New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer who is passionate... 
    Contract work

    Arista Networks

    Santa Clara, CA
    4 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Principal Mechanical Engineer. Be the first to apply!