Mechanical Design Engineer

Auriga Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Auriga Space in Los Angeles is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to drive hardware projects from concept through commissioning. You'll design mechanical components for cutting-edge electromagnetic launch systems, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams while working hands-on in a dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate will have 3-7 years of mechanical design experience, proficiency in CAD software, and a passion for innovative space technology. Auriga offers competitive pay and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 3 - 7 years of mechanical design experience, proven track record of project lifecycle.
• Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals and engineering best practices.
• Comfortable in hands-on, dynamic environment with evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components for electromagnetic launch systems.
• Drive projects from initial concept through design and testing.
• Support hands-on hardware assembly and troubleshooting.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

3D CAD software proficiency

Manufacturing processes understanding

Strong communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering

Job description

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Auriga Space is revolutionizing propulsion by developing electromagnetic launch systems that offer dramatic advantages in cost, reliability, launch frequency, and responsiveness compared to traditional chemical rockets. Join us as we transform the future of propulsion for space and defense.

Role Summary

Auriga is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our growing team and play a key role in driving hardware projects from concept through commissioning. This role spans the full product lifecycle, including requirements generation, concept development, detailed design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing. The ideal candidate thrives in a start-up environment and is excited to work hands‑on with a small, high‑performing team pushing the boundaries of next‑generation space launch technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for Auriga’s electromagnetic launch systems.
• Drive projects from initial concept through design, analysis, prototyping, and testing.
• Perform CAD modeling, detailed design, and tolerance analysis to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams, such as electrical, analysis, and manufacturing, for system integration.
• Support hands‑on hardware assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Basic Qualifications

• 3 - 7 years of mechanical design experience, with a proven track record of taking projects from concept to prototype and into production.
• Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals and engineering best practices.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software for detailed design and basic analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on, dynamic environment with evolving requirements.
• Highly detail‑oriented, with strong self‑motivation and prioritization skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of clearly articulating design decisions and requirements.
• Passion for innovative technology and next‑generation space and defense systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design cycles.
• Experience in fast‑paced environments, such as start‑ups, rapid prototyping labs, or aerospace/defense development programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More details on ITAR are available on the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website.

Auriga provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Auriga, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.