Mass Properties Engineer

Orchard LLC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Mass Properties Engineer to estimate, manage, and verify mass properties of spacecraft and subsystems. You will define allocated mass, perform mass property calculations, and maintain databases, reports, and budgets with input from systems and subsystems teams.

The role requires US citizenship or permanent residency and a bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 2 years' experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant spacecraft systems experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Estimate, manage, and verify mass properties of spacecraft and subsystems.
• Define allocated mass across the program lifecycle.
• Calculate mass properties to support design, build, and test.
• Maintain mass databases and produce reports.
• Provide mass control consultation to subsystems engineering.
• Support AIT and launch vehicle providers.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

CREO

Teamcenter

Macros coding

Job description

Mass Properties Engineer (Spacecraft Engineering) Palo Alto, California

Must be a US citizen

Orchard LLC is seeking a motivated, skilled Mass Properties Engineer to join an established team in Palo Alto, CA.

In this role, you will estimate, manage, and verify the mass properties of all spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems, including mass, center of gravity (CG), moments of inertia (MOI), and products of inertia (POI). Key aspects of the role include defining allocated mass across the program lifecycle, calculating mass properties to support spacecraft design, build, and test, performing mass data collection, maintaining mass databases, producing reports and budgets, consulting with functional areas on mass control, and reviewing design documentation to obtain mass information.

• Work with lead engineers to define allocated mass at the beginning of new programs, coordinating with Systems and Subsystems teams
• Calculate mass properties of spacecraft equipment, including sequence mass properties
• Periodically determine mass budget and prepare mass properties reports
• Perform actual weighing and mass data collection
• Generate and maintain mass properties database information
• Review designs and reports from engineering personnel to provide technical analysis of mass, CG, MOI, and POI
• Provide technical consultation to subsystems engineering to control the mass of their products
• Provide support to Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) and launch vehicle providers

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in spacecraft systems or a related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CREO and Teamcenter applications
• Background in coding to support internally developed macros, applications, and data analysis tools
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), interpersonal abilities, and collaborative mindset for work planning, prioritization, status updates, and problem resolution with individuals and teams

Compensation

The base pay range for this position within California is: $82,000.00 - $136,000.00 annually. A comprehensive package of benefits is provided, including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and a 401(k) for eligible employees.