Mechanical & Structural Engineering (T

Job Description Octagon Talent Solutions is a full-service technology recruitment and staffing company based in South Florida. Our focus on long-term relationships helps ensure placements that last.

Our client is building satellites that deploy AI servers in space to deliver scalable AI inference in orbit, an “orbital data center,” approach that unlocks dramatically more solar power than on Earth. This founding-level opportunity is ideal for a Mechanical & Structural Engineer who wants full ownership of spacecraft primary structure and deployable mechanisms while working hands-on with contract manufacturers. The role is fully on-site in Los Angeles, five days per week, with meaningful impact on a pathfinder mission targeted for 2027.

Own end-to-end mechanical and structural design, from early architecture through detailed design, release, and build support
Lead structural analysis and verification (FEA modeling, static loads, modal, random vibration, fatigue) and drive design tradeoffs for mass, stiffness, and manufacturability
Design and mature deployables at scale (solar arrays, radiator mechanisms, booms/antennas), ensuring reliable deployment and survivability through launch vibration loads
Partner closely with contract manufacturers and suppliers: daily technical syncs, DFM reviews, tooling, build planning, and nonconformance resolution
Translate the infrastructure mission and spacecraft requirements into clear interfaces, requirements, and execution plans for manufacturing partners
Define mechanical/structural requirements, interfaces, and test plans across subsystems, coordinating closely with the founding engineer focused on thermal/power
Drive materials selections and shielding approaches (aluminum, titanium, composites/CFRP; radiation hardening considerations for GPU payload shielding) while balancing thermal performance and mass
document decisions and outcomes clearly

10+ years of spacecraft mechanical and/or structural engineering experience is strongly preferred (5+ years minimum ), including flight hardware experience on launched spacecraft (not just academic projects)

• Deep specialization in mechanical/structural engineering (avoid primarily systems engineering backgrounds), with a strong record of ownership and delivery
• Proficiency with structural analysis methods and tools such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or ABAQUS (or equivalent), including launch-load environments
• Experience designing, analyzing, and/or qualifying deployable spacecraft structures (solar arrays, radiator mechanisms, booms, antennas, hinges, latches, etc.)
• Strong fundamentals in structures and materials (aluminum, titanium, composites/CFRP), joints/fasteners, and manufacturing processes; Ability to work effectively in a small, engineering-led, low-ego team with high autonomy, clear communication, and strong engineering judgment
• Able to work fully on-site in Los Angeles, CA five days per week (relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates)

highly preferred given the field’s esoteric nature
Blend of big aerospace and high-velocity startup experience (e.g., Strong academic pedigree (top-tier space structures / mechanical programs)
Direct experience with spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, TVAC), test planning, qualification/acceptance documentation
CAD proficiency (any major tool) and comfort collaborating across design, analysis, and manufacturing workflows

ABAQUS / ANSYS / NASTRAN • Structural FEA • Modal analysis • Launch loads & vibration • CAD • Deployable mechanisms • CFRP, Aluminum, Titanium • Spacecraft structures