Mechanical Engineer

InnoForge; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge space technology startup in California is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the development and validation of structural systems for next-generation spacecraft. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with over 6 years of experience in mechanical system design and analysis. This hands-on position offers a chance to work in a fast-paced environment, driving advancements in space technology.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-performance mechanical systems design and analysis.
• Deep expertise in structural mechanics, including composites, fatigue, fracture, and finite element methods.
• Proven ability to correlate analysis with test data and lead spacecraft-level structural campaigns.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leading the structural analysis, design, and validation of the spacecraft's electromechanical deployment system.
• Performing detailed mechanical simulations, including static, modal, dynamic, and thermal analysis.
• Defining and interpreting test environments including vibration, shock, acoustic, and thermal.
• Coordinating with electrical, software, and test teams to ensure system-level integration.
• Driving test campaigns and correlating finite element models with experimental results.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Structural mechanics

Cross-disciplinary communication

Finite element analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Ansys

Job description

We’re representing a cutting‑edge, venture‑backed space technology startup at the forefront of redefining how the United States approaches space superiority and missile defense. This isn’t another incremental aerospace program, it’s an opportunity to help shape an entirely new class of space systems, enabling rapid, low‑cost payload deployment without traditional propulsion.

Location: Hawthorne, CA | Salary: $95,000 – $115,000.

This organization is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take a core electromechanical deployment system from prototype to flight readiness.

The Role

As Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll play a central role in developing and validating the next‑generation structural systems enabling responsive space access. You’ll guide the analysis, design, and testing of mechanical subsystems within a fast‑paced, high‑intensity prototyping environment.

This is a hands‑on, technical leadership position requiring both analytical rigor and creative problem‑solving. You’ll define environments, perform advanced simulations, lead mechanical design, and ensure structural integrity through test and validation.

Your day‑to‑day will involve:

• Leading the structural analysis, design, and validation of the spacecraft’s electromechanical deployment system.
• Performing detailed mechanical simulations, including static, modal, dynamic, and thermal analysis.
• Defining and interpreting test environments, vibration, shock, acoustic, and thermal.
• Guiding design trade studies, materials selection, and mass optimization across vehicle structures.
• Co‑ordinating closely with electrical, software, and test teams to ensure system‑level integration.
• Driving test campaigns and correlating finite element models with experimental results.
• Mentoring engineers and helping establish best practices in advanced analysis and design.

You’ll thrive in ambiguity, move quickly, and bring structure and discipline to a rapidly evolving engineering environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or high‑performance mechanical systems design and analysis (fewer with advanced degrees).
• Deep expertise in structural mechanics, including composites, fatigue, fracture, and finite element methods.
• Proven ability to correlate analysis with test data and lead spacecraft‑level structural campaigns.
• Strong cross‑disciplinary communication skills and comfort leading within small, fast‑moving teams.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (required for export control).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Preferred experience

• Analysis of 3D‑printed or additively manufactured structures.
• Structural analysis of composite materials and bonded joints.
• Hands‑on experience with test instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples).
• Proficiency with Ansys or equivalent FEA tools.

Ready to Build What’s Next?

Join a team that’s redefining how space systems are designed and deployed, creating breakthrough mechanical technology that will shape the next era of orbital capability and national defense.