Lead AIT Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment in Los Angeles seeks a Lead AI&T Engineer to direct spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration and test, and to lead primary/secondary structures design. You will mentor junior engineers and coordinate with cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance with standards.

The role blends hands-on spacecraft mechanical work with system-level design, requiring 5+ years in aerospace, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks/NX) and a track record in flight hardware assembly and testing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in aerospace mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years designing, assembling and testing spacecraft structures.
• US citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration and testing (MGSE/EGSE).
• Design and develop primary and secondary spacecraft structures.
• Create CAD models and engineering drawings with GD&T specs.
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for subsystem integration.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Spaceflight hardware understanding

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

GD&T

Job description

Lead AI&T Engineer

Los Angeles, California

This is a small satellite company focused on national security space. Their missions include missile warning and Earth observation.

They offer startup pace with the stability of the parent business behind it. The work is broad rather than narrow, so engineers here are not pigeonholed into one corner of their discipline.

This role leads assembly, integration and test on spacecraft builds, alongside the design and development of primary and secondary structures. It is hands on across spacecraft mechanical engineering, with junior engineers to mentor.

What you will do

• 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 the development of CAD models and engineering drawings, including surface finish and GD&T specifications
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures
• Work with cross functional teams to integrate structural subsystems with other spacecraft subsystems
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Document design processes, test results and system performance
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers

Who this suits

• Someone who has led the assembly and integration of space flight hardware
• 5 or more years in a core mechanical engineering discipline in aerospace or a related field
• 5 or more years designing, assembling and testing spacecraft structures
• Expertise in structural design, harness routing and systems level mechanical engineering
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or NX
• Experience specifying and analysing fastener torque values and material finishes such as anodising
• Experience with the NASA GEVS standard
• Experience in cleanroom environments, working to ESD protocols
• A bachelor's or advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or a similar field
• US citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance
• Useful extras: end to end programme leadership on rapid on orbit tech demo missions, EMC and EMI testing and design, launch integration including coordination with launch service providers, Python, C++ or MATLAB and space system or mission modelling, an advanced degree

What you get

Hybrid working with every other Friday off. This role is export controlled and requires US Person status. There is no visa sponsorship. The company is a drug free workplace with post offer testing, and successful candidates complete a conflict of interest assessment.