Mechanical Design Engineer

NewSpace Technical; Orlando, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NewSpace Technical, a space technology startup, seeks a Mechanical / Optomechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical development of a space-based LiDAR payload in Orlando, FL. The role focuses on mechanical and optomechanical interfaces with the satellite bus and spans from concept through AIT and deployment.

The candidate will drive CAD design, FEM analysis, and qualification campaigns, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and external vendors to ensure manufacturability and robust

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years aerospace experience or MS/PhD with 5+ years.
• Proficient in CAD: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CATIA or equivalent.
• Experience in space mechanical/optomechanical design and qualification campaigns.
• Strong FEM, structural analysis, lightweight materials, and thermal deformation knowledge.
• Ability to translate system requirements into detailed mechanical designs.
• Knowledge of GD&T standards with strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of a space-based LiDAR payload from concept through detailed design, hardware build, AIT, and deployment
• Use CAD tools to design mechanical components including optical benches, actuation mechanisms, optomechanical assemblies, and packaging for electronics, connectors, and harnessing
• Perform mechanical analysis including FEM, vibration, acoustic response, and thermal deformation modelling
• Lead vibration and acoustic space qualification campaigns; support thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing campaigns
• Collaborate with technicians during assembly, integration, and testing of the LiDAR system
• Coordinate with satellite bus providers to manage mechanical and structural interfaces
• Engage with external vendors for part sourcing and support design for manufacturability (DFM/DFMA)
• Develop key engineering documentation including architecture documents, interface control documents (ICDs), and assembly/verification procedures
• Produce inputs for design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR) and support proposal/RFP activities

Skills

CAD tools

FEM analysis

Space Systems

Documentation

GD&T

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

CATIA

Job description

Mechanical/ Optomechanical Design Engineer

Job details

• Location: Florida, USA
• Job type: Permanent
• Job sector: Engineering
• Published: 14 April 2026

Mechanical / Optomechanical Design Engineer – Space Systems
Location: Orlando, FL (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Our client is a rapidly growing space technology startup seeking a Mechanical / Optomechanical Design Engineer with a minimum of 7 years of experience to lead the mechanical development of an innovative space-based LiDAR system. This role is based in Orlando, FL.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to design a next-generation LiDAR payload, building on existing Earth-mapping LiDAR designs. The focus is on the mechanical and optomechanical structure of the payload and its interface with the satellite bus, spanning the full lifecycle from preliminary design through integration, assembly, test (AIT), and deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of a space-based LiDAR payload from concept through detailed design, hardware build, AIT, and deployment
• Use CAD tools to design mechanical components including optical benches, actuation mechanisms, optomechanical assemblies, and packaging for electronics, connectors, and harnessing
• Perform mechanical analysis including FEM, vibration, acoustic response, and thermal deformation modelling
• Lead vibration and acoustic space qualification campaigns; support thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing campaigns
• Collaborate with technicians during assembly, integration, and testing of the LiDAR system
• Coordinate with satellite bus providers to manage mechanical and structural interfaces
• Engage with external vendors for part sourcing and support design for manufacturability (DFM/DFMA)
• Develop key engineering documentation including architecture documents, interface control documents (ICDs), and assembly/verification procedures
• Produce inputs for design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR) and support proposal/RFP activities

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering + 7 years of experience, or M.S./Ph.D. + 5 years in related aerospace or space systems roles
• Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CATIA, or equivalent)
• Experience in mechanical and optomechanical design for space applications and qualification campaigns
• Strong understanding of FEM, structural analysis, lightweight materials, and thermal deformation effects
• Experience translating system-level requirements into detailed mechanical design specifications
• Knowledge of GD&T standards (e.g., ISO GPS) with strong communication and documentation skills

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with optomechanical systems and high-precision optical integration
• Experience with CFRP structures, machined component design, and thermal engineering
• Familiarity with EVMS cost and schedule management practices

Additional Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in Orlando, FL

NewSpace Technical – sister company of rise technical