Lead AI&T Engineer

Motive Companies, LLC; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical healthcare for employees

401(k) matching

Paid time off and holidays

Pregnancy and family leave

Job summary

Motive Workforce is partnering with a Los Angeles-based spacecraft technology company to hire a Spacecraft Lead AI&T Engineer in Santa Monica, CA. The role requires hands-on experience with spaceflight hardware, environmental testing, and MGSE/EGSE coordination.

You will lead mechanical design and testing, mentor engineers, and ensure GD&T compliant drawings and documentation across programs, with a focus on rapid, reliable flight hardware development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years leading the assembly and integration of spaceflight hardware.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or NX and understanding of fastener torque values.

Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration, and testing, including MGSE design and environmental test planning.
• Lead design and development of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including materials selection.
• Develop CAD models and engineering drawings with GD&T specifications.
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve engineering processes.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in Aerospace / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Job Details

A&D/Semi

Lead AI&T Engineer Santa Monica,CA

Posted: 11/5/2026

Job Description Job ID#: 87060

Job Category: A&D/Semi

Position Type: Direct

Duration: Direct

Shift: 1

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading the assembly and integration of spaceflight hardware.
• 5+ years of core mechanical engineering experience within aerospace or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, assembling, and testing spacecraft structures.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural design, harness routing, and systems-level mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, or similar platforms.
• Experience specifying and analyzing fastener torque values and material finishes such as anodizing.
• Experience working with the NASA GEVS standard.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments and following ESD protocols.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring junior engineers and improving engineering processes.
• Strong ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-moving engineering environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications

• End-to-end program leadership experience supporting rapid on-orbit technology demonstration missions.
• Understanding of EMC/EMI testing and spacecraft design considerations.
• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive spacecraft design experience with a strong understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystems.
• Experience with launch integration and coordination with launch service providers.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or spacecraft system and mission modeling tools.

Compensation

$130,000 - $170,000 per year Final compensation will be based on experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits

Benefits include paid medical healthcare for employees, flexible vacation, sick days, 401(k) matching, pregnancy leave, family leave, holiday pay, military service leave, dental coverage, vision coverage, and additional benefits.