Founding Mechanical & Thermal Lead – Space Payloads

EVONA; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

EVONA seeks an Engineering Manager for Mechanical Radar Systems in Southern California. You will build and lead the US mechanical/thermal team, defining architecture and interfaces while aligning with bus providers and cross‑functional groups in a growing space program.

The role emphasizes a systems‑level perspective, early leadership, and the ability to scale for a director‑level position as the organization expands.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience on space flight hardware.
• Experience defining structural interfaces between payloads and buses.
• Experience leading engineers with task ownership, mentoring and performance.
• Passive thermal design experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the mechanical and thermal team: hiring plans, onboarding, mentoring, performance and career development
• Own the design of deployables and mechanisms, from architecture and trade studies through qualification and flight acceptance
• Lead the mechanical design of a new modular payload, including its geometry, low-profile packaging and interfaces to multiple third-party buses
• Work closely with bus providers on structural interfaces, mechanical ICDs, adapters and integration
• Plan and run environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock and deployment testing) and own the data review and disposition

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

Interfaces

Thermal design

CAD tools

Bachelor's degree

Systems-thinking

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

Job description

EVONA seeks an Engineering Manager for Mechanical Radar Systems in Southern California. You will build and lead the US mechanical/thermal team, defining architecture and interfaces while aligning with bus providers and cross‑functional groups in a growing space program.

The role emphasizes a systems‑level perspective, early leadership, and the ability to scale for a director‑level position as the organization expands.