Lead Spacecraft Mechanical Architect

Pulse Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulse Space in Seattle is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Architect to define the mechanical architecture of next-generation spacecraft, embedding payload functions directly into the spacecraft structure, ensuring efficient thermal balance and optimized mass and power distribution.

You will drive multidisciplinary collaboration across GNC, avionics, laser, and thermal engineering to solve complex space system challenges.

Qualifications

• MS or higher in mechanical/ aerospace/ structural engineering with leadership experience in space hardware.
• 10+ years in spacecraft mechanical/structural architecture and integration.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary teams and space qualification processes.

Responsibilities

• Define the mechanical architecture of spacecraft for integrated payload-structure designs.
• Lead development of structural systems embedding payload functionality.
• Collaborate with GNC and avionics to define mechanical interfaces.
• Partner with laser and thermal engineers for high-power thermal solutions.
• Oversee iterative design processes across disciplines and optimize mass/thermal performance.
• Interface with launch providers on environmental envelopes and test campaigns.
• Drive innovation and lead trade studies, simulations, and performance analyses.
• Mentor and grow a team of mechanical engineers toward excellence.

Skills

Systems engineering

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Leadership

Mentorship

FEA

Thermal modeling

Education

MS in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Eng

PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Eng

Tools

FEA software

Thermal modeling tools

Job description

Pulse Space in Seattle is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Architect to define the mechanical architecture of next-generation spacecraft, embedding payload functions directly into the spacecraft structure, ensuring efficient thermal balance and optimized mass and power distribution.

You will drive multidisciplinary collaboration across GNC, avionics, laser, and thermal engineering to solve complex space system challenges.