Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Principal Mechanical Design EngineerThe Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will drive the mechanical architecture, design, and verification of spacecraft and electronic systems. This role leads the development of satellite structures, electronic packaging, and mission-critical hardware engineered for reliable performance in demanding space environments. The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical design expertise with hands-on leadership, guiding teams through concept development, detailed modeling, analysis, and qualification.This position is expected to be 100% onsite in Cape Canaveral.Essential Duties/Responsibilities:Lead the mechanical design, development, and integration of spacecraft hardware, electronic enclosures, and circuit-card assemblies, ensuring robust structural, thermal, and environmental performance.Develop mechanical architectures, 3D CAD models, and detailed design layouts that meet subsystem and system-level requirements for satellites and other systems.Evaluate mechanical and thermal performance, identify risk areas, and drive design improvements throughout the hardware lifecycle.Oversee mechanical aspects of environmental qualification, including thermal vacuum testing, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock.Collaborate closely with electrical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to ensure mechanical considerations are fully integrated into multi-disciplinary designs.Produce clear technical documentation, detailed design reports, and presentation materials for internal and external design reviews.Collaborate with manufacturing, integration, and test teams to maintain design intent through fabrication, assembly, and verification.Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in customer-facing discussions and communicate design status and decisions effectively.Treat all coworkers with respect and dignity ensuring a collaborative culture is continually developed and maintained.Other technical or leadership duties as assigned.Required Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience.3+ years of experience in mechanical design, structural analysis or hardware development.Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks (or equivalent).Preferred Qualifications:Experience designing spacecraft or satellite hardware, including electronics packaging.Experience leading teams in the development, execution, and review of structural and thermal FEA using industry tools such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus, and related analysis environments.Experience with configuration management practices, including version control, change tracking, and documentation integrity.Experience driving mechanical design process improvements and contribute to system-level workflow enhancements.Experience with satellite integration, assembly, and test operations.Experience supporting environmental testing campaigns (TVAC, thermal cycling).Physical Requirements:Prolonged periods of sitting and computer useAbility to travel <10%Ability to lift up to 30 lbsTravel Requirement:Ability to travel < 10%Shift/Schedule:Onsite work Monday through Friday; day shiftDrug-Free Workplace:Sidus Space is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policiesTotal Rewards and Perks:At Sidus Space, we ask a lot of our team members, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to a competitive salary, a Best-in-Class benefit program with a generous employer paid portion as well as a matching 401(k) on Day ONE, we offer a lot of perks, including:Jeans every dayRegular onsite food trucks5 free company t-shirts for Manufacturing StaffPaid Time Off (vacation and sick days) and 11 paid holidaysAdjustable stand-up desksEmployee referral bonus programEducational assistance and professional training opportunitiesCompany golf outings and other social eventsAdditional Eligibility Qualifications:All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screenTo conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.SIDUS SPACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer fostering a respectful work culture that values all contributors. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:Applicants wishing to receive information on Sidus Space's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io