Mechanical Engineer

Auriga Space; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Auriga Space in Garden Grove, California, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in mechanical design and analysis to drive hardware for our electromagnetic launch technology. You will shepherd projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and supporting prototyping, manufacturing, integration and testing.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 3–8 years of hands-on engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–8 years of applied engineering experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD and FEA tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine mechanical system concepts, including trade studies and design analyses.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses to validate designs under loads and environments.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to ensure integration with overall architecture.
• Support prototyping, machining, fabrication, and hands-on testing.
• Drive design iterations based on test results and mission requirements.
• Contribute to design reviews, safety assessments, and project documentation.

Skills

3D CAD

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

Hands-on prototyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

OnShape

ANSYS

Job description

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Auriga Space is revolutionizing propulsion by developing electromagnetic launch systems that offer significant advantages in launch cost, reliability, frequency, and responsiveness compared to rockets

Role Summary

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in mechanical design and analysis to join our growing team. You will play a key role in advancing our electromagnetic launch technology by driving hardware projects from concept through commissioning. This includes requirements definition, concept development, detailed design, prototyping, manufacturing support, integration, and testing. This is a full-time onsite role based at our headquarters in Garden Grove, California.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across the full engineering life cycle and energized by the fast pace and broad responsibilities of a start-up environment. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and contribute directly to hardware that will reshape access to space and defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine mechanical system concepts, including trade studies and design analyses.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses to validate designs and ensure performance under operational loads and environments.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to ensure integration of mechanical systems with overall architecture.
• Support prototyping, machining, and fabrication efforts, including hands-on assembly and test.
• Drive design iterations based on test results, manufacturing feedback, and mission requirements.
• Contribute to design reviews, safety assessments, and project documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–8 years of applied engineering experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and structural design fundamentals.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks, OnShape, or equivalent.
• Experience with stress analysis, finite element analysis, or thermal analysis tools.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, constantly evolving start-up environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with precision machining, manufacturing processes, and tolerancing.
• Background in designing for dynamic systems
• Experience with experimental testing, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of materials science, composites, or advanced alloys.
• Proficiency with ANSYS product suite
• 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.