Lead AI&T Engineer

Motive Workforce Solutions; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Motive Workforce is seeking a Spacecraft Lead AI&T Engineer for a Los Angeles–based spacecraft technology company. This in-office, full-time role requires leading mechanical assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft hardware, with hands-on experience delivering flight hardware.

You will guide structural design, mechanical systems integration, environmental testing, and the development of flight-ready assemblies.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration and testing.
• Strong background in CAD modeling and engineering drawings.
• Experience applying GD&T specifications on flight hardware.
• Familiarity with structural analysis and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration, and testing, including plan execution and cleanroom coordination.
• Lead design and development of primary/secondary spacecraft structures and material selection.
• Develop CAD models and drawings with surface finish and GD&T specs.
• Create mechanical assembly procedures and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance throughout development and integration.

Skills

Spacecraft engineering

Mechanical design

GD&T

Structural analysis

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Motive Workforce is partnering with a Los Angeles-based spacecraft technology company developing custom spacecraft and mission solutions for commercial, scientific, and national security applications. The team combines deep spaceflight experience with advanced computational design and modern manufacturing practices to develop purpose-built spacecraft with a focus on speed, precision, and reliability.

Role Description

We are seeking a Spacecraft Lead AI&T Engineer to lead the mechanical assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft hardware. This is a full-time, in-office position for an experienced engineer with a strong background in spacecraft mechanical engineering and hands-on experience delivering flight hardware.

In this role, you will lead spacecraft mechanical AI&T activities while supporting structural design, mechanical systems integration, environmental testing, and the development of flight-ready spacecraft assemblies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration, and testing, including MGSE design, EGSE coordination, environmental test planning and execution, and cleanroom maintenance.
• Lead the design and development of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including geometry and material selection.
• Lead development of CAD models and engineering drawings, including surface finish and GD&T specifications.
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate structural subsystems with other spacecraft systems.
• Support compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance throughout spacecraft development and integration.