Founding Mechanical Engineer, Space Robotics

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 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.