Director of Mechanical Engineering, Spacecraft & Propulsion

EVONA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

EVONA is seeking a Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical development of next‑generation spacecraft and propulsion hardware in the Los Angeles area. You will own technical direction across structures, mechanisms, fluid systems, and integration while growing a high-performing team.

This role remains technically engaged in major design decisions, reviews, and failure investigations, influencing both current spacecraft and future vehicle architectures.

Qualifications

• BS or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Extensive experience in aerospace hardware development
• Technical leadership across mechanical design, structures, integration and testing
• Ownership of major vehicle systems through multiple development stages
• Deep understanding of mechanical fundamentals: structures, dynamics, materials, mechanisms
• Experience with CAD, GD&T, FEA, and hardware development
• Decision-making for high-consequence engineering with incomplete information
• Experience leading and mentoring strong engineering teams
• Hands-on in fast-moving hardware-focused environments

Responsibilities

• Own technical direction across spacecraft and propulsion mechanical engineering
• Lead development of structures, mechanisms, pressure systems, and interfaces
• Set mechanical architecture, requirements, standards, and processes
• Make and review critical vehicle-level technical trades
• Lead design reviews ensuring performance, manufacturability, integration, testing
• Guide analyses, FEA, and verification strategies
• Oversee hardware from concept to flight
• Resolve complex mechanical and multidisciplinary problems
• Build and mentor a world-class mechanical team
• Define ownership as the organization scales
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, GNC, manufacturing, operations
• Balance performance, schedule, cost, risk, and speed
• Remain hands-on on high-impact challenges

Skills

Technical leadership

Mechanical design

Structures analysis

FEM/FEA

CAD & GD&T

Program leadership

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng

Tools

CAD

FEA

GD&T

First-principles analysis

Job description

EVONA is seeking a Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical development of next‑generation spacecraft and propulsion hardware in the Los Angeles area. You will own technical direction across structures, mechanisms, fluid systems, and integration while growing a high-performing team.

This role remains technically engaged in major design decisions, reviews, and failure investigations, influencing both current spacecraft and future vehicle architectures.