Lead Spacecraft Integration & Test Engineer

Blue Signal Search; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Signal Search is seeking a hands-on engineering leader to bridge mechanical design and flight hardware execution for advanced spacecraft programs in Los Angeles. This role spans from detailed definition to assembly, integration, environmental verification, and build readiness, with direct ownership of flight hardware and disciplined engineering practices.

You will guide structural architecture, develop build procedures, and collaborate with electrical, systems, test, and manufacturing teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
• 5+ years core mechanical engineering in aerospace or flight hardware
• 5+ years hands-on design/assembly/testing of spacecraft structures
• Proven leadership of assembly and integration for space-flight hardware
• Systems-level mechanical capability incl. harness routing
• Experience with NASA GEVS environmental verification, cleanroom/ESD
• Proficiency in CAD and drawing release (SolidWorks/NX)

Responsibilities

• Own spacecraft mechanical integration from build readiness through environmental test
• Guide structural architecture balancing geometry, materials, interfaces, manufacturability
• Create and release 3D models, drawings with GD&T and configuration discipline
• Develop assembly, integration, and test procedures translating intent into hardware
• Plan spacecraft-level verification activities aligned with NASA GEVS
• Drive mechanical subsystem integration incl. harness routing and fastener strategy
• Collaborate with electrical, systems, test, manufacturing to close integration risks
• Provide technical leadership while maintaining documentation, cleanliness, and hardware accountability

Skills

Leadership

Systems thinking

Hands-on hardware

Documentation

Problem solving

Cleanroom/ESD

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

GD&T

Job description

Our client is an emerging aerospace organization advancing the way complex spacecraft are designed, built, integrated, and prepared for mission. They are seeking a hands-on engineering leader who can bridge mechanical design and flight hardware execution, taking spacecraft from detailed definition through assembly, integration, environmental verification, and build readiness. This is an opportunity to have meaningful ownership of flight hardware, influence how vehicle integration is performed, and help establish disciplined engineering practices within a fast-moving space environment.

This Role Offers:

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive employee benefits package.
• High-impact ownership of spacecraft hardware from engineering definition through integration and verification.
• A hands-on environment where engineering leaders remain directly involved with flight hardware and vehicle builds.
• The opportunity to shape integration methods, test practices, and mechanical engineering standards as spacecraft programs scale.

Focus:

• Own spacecraft mechanical integration from build readiness through environmental test, coordinating ground support equipment, facilities, and cross-functional interfaces.
• Guide structural architecture for flight vehicles, balancing geometry, materials, interfaces, manufacturability, and mission constraints.
• Create and release 3D models, drawings, and build documentation with appropriate GD&T, surface treatments, and configuration discipline.
• Develop assembly, integration, and test procedures that translate engineering intent into repeatable, high-quality hardware execution.
• Plan and execute spacecraft-level verification activities, including environmental testing aligned with NASA GEVS expectations.
• Drive mechanical subsystem integration, including harness routing, structural interfaces, fastener strategy, and resolution of build-floor issues.
• Partner with electrical, systems, test, manufacturing, and program teams to close integration risks and keep vehicle builds moving.
• Provide technical leadership to engineers and technicians, improving processes while maintaining rigorous documentation, cleanliness, and hardware accountability.

Skill Set:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of core mechanical engineering experience in aerospace or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience designing, assembling, and testing spacecraft structures or comparable flight hardware.
• Proven leadership of assembly and integration for space-flight hardware, with direct ownership of complex vehicle builds.
• Strong systems-level mechanical engineering capability, including structural design and spacecraft harness routing.
• Hands-on spacecraft assembly, integration, and test experience, including NASA GEVS-based environmental verification and cleanroom and ESD practices.
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD platforms such as SolidWorks or NX, plus experience producing drawings and build-ready technical definition.
• Working knowledge of fastener torque analysis, aerospace material finishes such as anodizing, and disciplined problem solving in a fast-paced hardware environment.