Founding Mechanical Engineer

Orbital Robotics; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbital Robotics is seeking a Founding Mechanical Engineer to pioneer in-orbit infrastructure. You will lead cradle-to-grave hardware development, from prototyping to flight-ready integration, focusing on multi-DOF robotic arms and end effectors.

You will perform structural and thermal analyses, translate CAD models into hardware, and support rigorous qualification testing, while collaborating across disciplines on-site in Madison, AL with some travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 2+ years of hands-on hardware development in mechanical design, robotics, or satellite systems.
• Strong design and integration using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience with mechanical analysis (FEA) and design for manufacturing strategies.
• Hands-on with prototyping tools including CNC machining and 3D printing.
• General familiarity with Linux and Python.
• Able to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team and provide technical guidance.
• Willing to work on-site in Madison, AL, with occasional travel to Seattle.

Responsibilities

• Drive cradle-to-grave hardware development lifecycles from prototyping to flight-ready integration.
• Design and integrate complex robotic hardware for on-orbit applications (multi-DOF arms and end effectors).
• Perform structural & thermal analysis (FEA) for extreme on-orbit environments.
• Translate CAD models into physical hardware through assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Support qualification testing (TVAC, shock, vibration).

Skills

Proactive ownership

Team collaboration

Hardware development

FEA analysis

Linux familiarity

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree ABET-accredited (Mechanical/Aerospace)

Advanced degree (Master’s/PhD) in ME/AE

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC machining

3D printing

Test benches

Linux

Python

Job description

Orbital Robotics is seeking a Founding Mechanical Engineer to help pioneer the future of in-orbit infrastructure. You’ll join a team of world-class engineers building the robotic systems necessary to transition the satellite industry from an expendable paradigm into a sustainable, reusable ecosystem. The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on experience in the design, development, and integration of complex hardware systems for space, robotics, or high‑reliability applications, with a passion to build the infrastructure enabling satellite servicing, refueling, and debris mitigation in support of human expansion into the solar system.

Responsibilities

• Drive the “cradle-to-grave” hardware development lifecycles for mechanical systems, from early prototyping to flight-ready integration to real‑world deployment etc.

• Design and integrate complex robotic hardware systems for on‑orbit applications, specifically focusing on multi-DOF robotic arms and end effectors.

• Perform comprehensive structural & thermal analysis using FEA to ensure compliance with extreme on‑orbit environments.

• Take complete ownership of translating CAD models into physical reality by assembling, integrating, and troubleshooting hardware.

• Support a range of qualification testing (TVAC, shock, vibration, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline from an ABET accredited university.

• 2+ years of hands‑on hardware development experience, with a focus on mechanical design, robotics, or satellite systems.

• Strong design and integration skills using 3D CAD software (Solidworks preferred).

• Experience with mechanical analysis (FEA) and design for manufacturing strategies.

• Hands on experience with prototyping tools including CNC machining and 3D printing.

• General familiarity with Linux and Python.

• A proactive, self‑starter mentality with the ability to effectively collaborate in a multi‑disciplinary team and provide technical guidance.

• Willing to work on‑site in Madison, AL, with occasional travel to Seattle.

Desired Experience

Education & Experience

• Advanced Degree: Masters Degree/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline from an ABET accredited university.

• Robotic Arms: Experience with designing and operating robotic arms.

Testing & Qualification

• Qualification Testing: Experience conducting or supporting qualification testing for space‑grade or high‑reliability hardware.

• Radiation Hardening: Experience with radiation hardening and shielding techniques for SEE/TID mitigation.

• Test Benches: Experience building and operating complex test benches that simulate flight environments to validate sensor/actuator interactions.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.