Mechanical Engineer

Rendezvous Robotics; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Paid time off (3 weeks)

Job summary

Rendezvous Robotics, based in Golden, Colorado, seeks a Mid to Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems for self‑assembling spacecraft from concept to production and on‑orbit operation.

You will lead complex subsystems and partner with systems, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams while mentoring junior engineers and raising engineering standards in a full‑time, on‑site role in Golden.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably in aerospace or robotics hardware.
• Strong foundation in statics, dynamics, materials, and structural analysis.
• Excellent cross‑disciplinary communication for critical program decisions.
• Experience designing spaceflight hardware—mechanisms, actuators, and structures.

Responsibilities

• Own complex space‑grade mechanical subsystems from concept through production and on‑orbit operation.
• Design mechanisms, actuators, and structures that survive launch and operate in space.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Support prototype builds and oversee verification and environmental testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve design standards and documentation.

Skills

Spaceflight design

CAD proficiency

Cross-functional communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Onshape

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

GD&T

Nastran

ANSYS

Job description

Today, everything we send to space is constrained by what fits inside a rocket fairing. That’s a fundamental bottleneck to building more capable spacecraft. Rendezvous Robotics is solving this problem with electromagnetic self-assembling tiles that enable spacecraft that are bigger and more powerful than anything that can be folded to fit into a rocket. We’re a small team based in Golden, Colorado, executing on a clear path from flight demonstration to our first operational systems. Our work spans hardware, software, and systems engineering, and we’re always looking for people who want to build things that matter.

The Role

We are looking for a Mid to Senior Level Mechanical Engineer to own the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems and structures for our self-assembling spacecraft, taking space‑grade hardware from concept through production and on‑orbit operation. You will own complex mechanical and electromechanical subsystems (requirements definition, detailed CAD, tolerance analysis, and design reviews) and partner with systems, electrical, software, and manufacturing to integrate them into flight hardware. You will also mentor junior engineers and help raise our design standards and engineering practices. This is a full‑time, on‑site role in Golden, Colorado.

What You’ll Do

• Own complex, space‑grade mechanical and electromechanical subsystems from concept through production and on‑orbit operation, including requirements definition, detailed CAD modeling, tolerance stack‑ups, and design reviews.
• Design spacecraft mechanisms, actuators, and structural assemblies that survive launch loads and operate in the space environment.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (systems, electrical, software, manufacturing) to integrate mechanical designs.
• Support prototype builds and oversee mechanical verification and validation, including environmental and vibration testing.
• Engage suppliers and support fabrication processes; produce and check detailed drawings and GD&T.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, documentation, and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience, ideally with spacecraft, satellite, or other aerospace and robotics hardware.
• Strong foundation in core mechanical engineering principles—statics, dynamics, materials, and structural analysis.
• Strong ability to communicate across engineering disciplines to make program‑critical decisions.
• Solid understanding of aerospace materials, hardware, and fabrication techniques.
• Demonstrated experience designing spaceflight hardware—mechanisms, actuators, and structural assemblies built for launch and on‑orbit environments.
• Strong command of CAD tools for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Test plan development, including environmental and structural testing experience, preferably for spaceflight hardware qualification.
• Hands‑on R&D background—prototyping, testing, and iterating on novel mechanical concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with design lifecycle and configuration management systems
• Proficiency with Onshape (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo also valued) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience with industry‑standard FEA tools (e.g., Nastran/Femap, ANSYS, Abaqus) and thermal tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop or a comparable node‑based solver).
• Project‑management experience—planning, scheduling, risk identification, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Familiarity with NASA (e.g., NASA-STD‑5020, GEVS) and/or SMC‑S‑016 verification standards.
• Understanding of aerospace loading and thermal environments, material behavior, and margin assessment.
• Familiarity with separation systems, deployables, or precision mechanisms.
• Ownership of a spacecraft or satellite subsystem across its full lifecycle: design, qualification, production, and on‑orbit operation.
• Experience in a startup or fast‑iteration hardware environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. In addition to the base salary, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives in the form of stock options. You will receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave. You may also receive 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Rendezvous Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.