Lead Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Propulsion

Industrious Ventures; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona, Burlingame, CA, is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join the propulsion team.

You will serve as the primary mechanical architect and design owner for advanced satellite propulsion hardware, driving CAD development, FEA, and thermal-structural joint optimization from concept to flight production. This hands-on, high‑ownership role requires collaboration with electrical and manufacturing teams to deliver ultra‑reliable hardware, build prototypes, run tests, and define procedures for

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience leading mechanical hardware design from concept through prototype to production.
• Strong Design for Manufacturability and experience working with machinists and vendors.
• Expert‑level GD&T and tolerance analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Deep materials knowledge, including refractory metals and ceramics, and heat treatment expertise.
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks) and FE modelling for structural/thermal analysis.
• Prototyping‑driven mindset and ability to build/test own hardware.
• Strong problem‑solving and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead designer for propulsion system and supporting hardware.
• Drive DFM across high‑precision components, working with machine shops and vendors.
• Select materials for high‑temperature, high‑vacuum environments and define treatments.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis to verify margins for launch/operation.
• Build, assemble, and iterate prototype hardware and support TVAC integration.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and flight hardware; troubleshoot assemblies.
• Define inspection, acceptance, and assembly procedures for production.
• Support supplier evaluation and selection for mechanical/thermal components.

Skills

System design leadership

DFM

Mechanical design

SolidWorks

Finite element analysis

Thermal analysis

GD&T

Materials knowledge

Prototyping

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Finite Element Modelling

Job description

Xona, Burlingame, CA, is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join the propulsion team.

You will serve as the primary mechanical architect and design owner for advanced satellite propulsion hardware, driving CAD development, FEA, and thermal-structural joint optimization from concept to flight production. This hands-on, high‑ownership role requires collaboration with electrical and manufacturing teams to deliver ultra‑reliable hardware, build prototypes, run tests, and define procedures for