Space Mechanisms Engineer

Infinite Orbits; Toulouse; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International team

Creative work environment

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Infinite Orbits, based in Toulouse, seeks a senior mechanical engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of space mechanisms, with emphasis on robotic arms and thruster actuation systems.

You will own the full lifecycle from design to test to qualification, ensuring performance in launch and on-orbit operation across missions, in a small space robotics company environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in designing high-reliability mechanisms (space preferred).
• Proven experience delivering hardware through full lifecycle (design → test → qualification).
• Strong expertise in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and analysis methods.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of critical mechanisms across IO missions.
• Design robotic arm joints, end-effectors, and deployment systems.
• Define mechanism architectures and actuation strategies (electric, spring-driven, hold-down & release).
• Carry out detailed mechanical design activities (CAD, tolerance stack-ups, precision alignment).
• Lead testing and qualification campaigns (functional, vibration, thermal vacuum, life-cycle).
• Collaborate with robotics, GNC, propulsion, and systems engineering teams.

Skills

High-reliability mechanisms design

CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX)

Full hardware lifecycle delivery

Technical leadership & mentorship

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

About the Company

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

• "Orbit Guard" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO.

• "Endurance" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.

About the Role

You will lead the design, development, and qualification of space mechanisms across all IO missions, with a focus on robotic arms and thruster actuation systems. This is a high-ownership role where you are responsible for ensuring that mechanisms not only work on paper but also survive launch, perform flawlessly in orbit, and continue to do so over the mission lifetime.

In a small space robotics company, your designs won’t linger in CAD. They will be built, tested, challenged, and ultimately sent into space under your responsibility.

Job Description

Technical Ownership

• Own the full lifecycle of critical mechanisms across IO missions.

• Design and deliver:

  • Robotic arm joints, end-effectors, and deployment systems.

  • Thruster gimbals, valves, and actuation systems.

• Ensure all actuator elements (launch locks, motors, gearboxes, lubricants) are correctly sized, selected, and qualified according to mission requirements.

• Define mechanism architectures and actuation strategies (electric, spring-driven, hold-down & release, etc.).

Design, Analysis & Verification

• Perform and lead detailed mechanical design activities:

  • CAD, tolerance stack-ups, and precision alignment strategies.

• Carry out comprehensive analysis and verification campaigns, including:

  • Structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses.

  • Launch loads (vibration, shock, quasi-static).

  • On-orbit performance (thermal cycling, wear, lubrication behavior).

• Design and verify supporting subsystems around mechanisms, including:

  • Fluidic piping across moving/rotary interfaces.

  • Electrical harness routing across joints and articulations.

• Develop lifetime and reliability models for mission-critical hardware.

Testing & Qualification

• Define and lead mechanism qualification and validation strategies.

• Execute and oversee test campaigns:

  • Functional, vibration, thermal vacuum, and life-cycle testing.

• Investigate anomalies and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Ensure mechanisms meet qualification standards for flight readiness.

System Integration & Collaboration

• Work closely with robotics, GNC, propulsion, and systems engineering teams.

• Ensure alignment with system-level requirements and spacecraft interfaces.

• Collaborate with suppliers and partners across Europe for component development and procurement.

• Support AIT and launch campaign activities.

Mentorship & Technical Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers and review designs.

• Act as a key contributor in design reviews (PDR, CDR, QR).

• Contribute to internal standards, methodologies, and best practices.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master’s preferred).

• 5+ years of experience in designing high-reliability mechanisms (space preferred).

• Proven experience delivering hardware through full lifecycle (design → test → qualification).

• Strong expertise in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and analysis methods.

• Deep understanding of:

  • Precision mechanisms (bearings, gears, actuators).

  • Tribology and lubrication in vacuum environments.

  • Materials for space applications (CTE, outgassing, fatigue).

  • Structural and thermal behavior in space conditions.

What we offer

• The opportunity to be part of an international team transforming the space industry.

• A creative and innovative work environment where ideas turn into reality.

• Competitive salary and benefits.