Associate Mechanical Engineer

terranorbitalcorporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company-paid medical, dental, and

vision coverage

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education Reimbursement

Parental Leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital is hiring an Associate Mechanical Engineer to contribute to spacecraft mechanical design, layout, and integration across lifecycle stages. You will prototype, develop tests, and support low-rate production with a focus on assembly, verification, and documentation.

You’ll work under the Mechanical Engineering Manager, using CAD tools (SolidWorks/Creo) to model hardware, support electrical cabling, and refine production workflows while aligning with DoD-grade standards.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 0+ years (Associate Engineer - level 1) in mechanical systems design for space/aerospace.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
• Interpret Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
• Hands-on hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and testing.
• Strong communication and teamwork within engineering groups.
• Experience with internal or external customers.
• Passion for space technology and sharing innovative solutions.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support spacecraft mechanical design and development of subsystems and ground support equipment.
• Model parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies per industry best practices.
• Perform analyses using hand calculations and FEM tools for early design.
• Create and maintain drawings, BOMs, interface drawings, and design notebooks.
• Generate content for design reviews and technical documentation.
• Support spacecraft electrical cabling design and integration instructions.
• Contribute to production workflows and testing protocols.
• Collaborate across design, manufacturing, and production to implement DFM/ DFA.
• Stay current with materials and manufacturing advances to improve design.

Skills

CAD software

Spacecraft design

Hands-on assembly

Team collaboration

Space hardware experience

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng

M.S. preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system - you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Associate Mechanical Engineer will contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and thermal sub‑systems, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, through all stages of the product lifecycle. The Associate Mechanical Engineer will help turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing, and low‑rate initial production.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft sub‑systems including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies in accordance with industry best practices.
• Perform vehicle and sub‑system analysis using hand calculations, finite element tools, and other relevant techniques to support robust early‑stage design.
• Create and maintain design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
• Generate technical content in support of internal and external design reviews.
• In coordination with Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams, support development of spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
• Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to refine production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols to support efficient initial production.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, automation, and production personnel to implement design‑for‑manufacturing and design‑for‑assembly best practices.
• Stay current with advancements in technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, and apply this knowledge to enhance spacecraft design and performance.
• Support process development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 0+ years (Associate Engineer - level 1) of experience designing mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar engineering sector.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
• Ability to interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a collaborative engineering environment.
• Experience working with internal or external customers.
• Passion for space technology and a commitment to contributing to innovative engineering solutions.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience supporting product development across multiple stages of the product lifecycle.
• Experience in a production environment within the space or aerospace industry.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case‑by‑case and may vary based on the job‑related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$85,000 - $100,000 USD

Full‑time positions only:

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military,