Mechanical Engineer

Elveo; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Elveo, based in Chantilly, VA, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and enhance mechanical systems for satellite payloads and spacecraft. You will model with SolidWorks, perform thermal and structural analyses, and support integration and testing with cross‑functional teams.

You will work closely with Electrical, RF, Software, and Systems groups, contributing to hardware trades and documentation while applying GD&T and tolerance analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3 to 6 years of experience designing, integrating or testing space hardware.
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.
• Proficient with Windows and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Leading design and modeling of satellite and payload hardware using SolidWorks.
• Developing materials and structural analyses (vibration/thermal) for space hardware.
• Performing thermal analyses of components and the system across modes.
• Interfacing with systems, harness, software, and electrical RF teams for design input.
• Supporting satellite and payload integration, testing, and delivery to launch.
• Designing mechanical test configurations on ground for payload performance.
• Mechatronics work including testing, assembly, prototyping of hardware.
• Maintaining technical documentation for payload and satellite development.
• Proficiency with Windows and MS Office tools.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Femap

NASTRAN

Ansys

Thermal Desktop

MATLAB

Python

MS Office (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word)

Job description

About Elveo

Elveo is what happens when two pioneers in direct-to-device (D2D) communications join forces. Elveo brings together a combined 20 years of expertise to close the coverage gap for more than 50 mobile network operators (MNOs) and major distribution partners operating in 60+ countries worldwide.

That heritage and our technology powers what we call ‘elevated intelligence’ — a new approach that processes and adapts on orbit, delivering voice and data services straight to mobile users, IoT devices and machines across enterprise, government and humanitarian sectors worldwide.

As a team, we’re on a mission to deliver powerful compute and connectivity directly to individuals and objects everywhere on Earth.

Join us, and become part of a globally inclusive company that is transforming satellite communications from a niche service to an essential global infrastructure, and democratizing connectivity for billions worldwide.

Ready to take the next step? Join us.

Job Summary

As a Mechanical Engineer at Elveo, you will be responsible for the analysis, design, build, and enhancement of the mechanical systems associated with our satellite communications payloads, satellites, testbeds, testing equipment, etc. Previous satellite design experience is required to be considered for this role. Some work products will include mechanical models of space and ground systems in CAD software, such as SolidWorks, and thermal analysis, structural analysis, vibration analysis, and finite element analysis to support critical system trades. In addition to design, you will also be responsible for integration and testing support of critical hardware systems such as satellite mechanical, structural, and electrical subsystems. While mechanically focused, your role will involve working closely with the Electrical, RF, Software, and Systems teams at the company.

If you enjoy the challenge of wearing many hats and have a track record of creative thinking to solve unconventional problems, then we look forward to meeting you!

Core Responsibilities

• Leading design and modeling of satellite and payload hardware, also some equipment for use on the ground and in the lab, using SolidWorks.

• Developing materials and structural such as, vibration, and analyses of space hardware.

• Performing thermal analyses of components and the entire system in all operational modes.

• Interface with systems, harness, software, and electrical RF engineering teams to inform satellite and payload mechanical design and layout.

• Support satellite and payload integration, testing, delivery to launch, and satellite bus partners and vendors.

• Designing and planning mechanical testing configurations on the ground when testing payload communications performance both in-lab and in-orbit. This has more mechanical aspects than you might think.

• Mechatronics work including testing, integration, assembly, and prototyping of electronic and mechanical hardware.

• Support the development and maintenance of technical documentation for payload and satellite design and development.

• Must be good with computers. Fluent in Windows; Proficient with Microsoft Office - Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.

• 3 to 6 years of experience working on projects doing design, integration, or test of space hardware.

• Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis.

• Experienced and highly proficient in 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks

• Must be good with computers. Fluent in Windows; Proficient with Microsoft Office - Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings

• Experience with manufacturing and fabrication methods and tools. Machine shop experience is highly desired.

• Hands-on experience with integrating hardware and electronics or full satellites

• Experience performing thermal, modal, random vibration, or structural finite element and hand calc analyses of individual components and integrated systems with tools such as Femap, NASTRAN, Ansys, or Thermal Desktop etc.

• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other programming languages

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.

Learn about ITAR here.

Location: Chantilly, VA