Mechanical Engineer - GSE (2 Senior Level Openings)

Leapspace; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Program

Retirement Planning (401k)

Growth Opportunities (dev stipend)

Flexible Time Off

Remote Work Flexibility (hybrid)

Health Benefits (medical, dental, VIs)

Job summary

LEAP is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in Broomfield, CO. You will design, develop, and deploy mechanical and fluid systems for manufacturing, testing, and launching rockets, ranging from handheld hardware to large structures.

You will lead hardware lifecycle activities, collaborate across teams, and contribute to a hybrid work model with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience in aerospace, launch systems, test operations, propulsion systems, or related hardware environments.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, structures, fluids, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience taking hardware from concept through design, fabrication, testing and deployment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX preferred) and GD&T principles.
• Familiarity with PLM systems (Teamcenter) and configuration management for large assemblies.
• Experience performing FEA and hand calculations to validate designs.

Responsibilities

• Own hardware design for Ground Support Equipment used in spacecraft manufacturing, transportation, testing, and launch operations.
• Lead design reviews with internal/external teams and vendors.
• Support hardware build, integration, testing, commissioning and deployment; serve as expert on your hardware.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, technicians, and other engineering disciplines throughout the hardware lifecycle.
• Lead design reviews and ensure safety, reliability, and mission readiness.

Skills

NX CAD

GD&T

Teamcenter

FEA

Hand calculations

Welding

Fabrication

Hardware design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

Job description

LEAP Mechanical Engineer - GSE (2 Senior Level Openings) Broomfield, CO Full time Company website

As our Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Support Equipment (GSE), you will design, develop and deploy the mechanical and fluid systems that enable manufacturing, test and launch operations. You will develop hardware systems to test engines, manufacture critical components and deploy and launch rockets. The scale of your designs will range from hardware you can hold to structures that support and launch rockets. The role combines hands-on hardware development with system-level engineering and operational support to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient mission execution.

About LEAP

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

Description

How You Will Make An Impact

Own Hardware Design

Lead the design, development and deployment of Ground Support Equipment used for spacecraft manufacturing, transportation, testing, and launch operations. Work with cross-functional internal and external teams to derive system requirements and interfaces.

Collaborate closely with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, technicians, and other engineering disciplines throughout the hardware lifecycle. Lead design reviews with internal and external teams and vendors.

System Deployment

Support hardware build, integration, testing, commissioning and deployment. Serve as expert on hardware you’ve designed.

What You Bring to the Team

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience in aerospace, launch systems, test operations, propulsion systems, industrial systems, or related complex hardware environments.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in mechanical design, structures, fluid systems, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience taking hardware from concept through design, fabrication, testing, and deployment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (preferably NX) and strong command of GD&T principles
• Familiarity with PLM systems (preferably Teamcenter) and configuration management for large assembly designs
• Experience performing FEA and hand calculations to validate designs

Bonus Points

• Experience designing, manufacturing, testing, and operating Ground Support Equipment (GSE), launch infrastructure, or test systems.
• Experience designing launch vehicle interface mechanisms, transportation fixtures, handling equipment, or deployment systems.
• Experience with cryogenic fluids, high-pressure gas systems, flammable fluid systems, hydraulic systems, or propulsion support systems.
• Familiarity with ASME Section VIII, ASME B31.3, NASA standards, DoD standards, Space Force launch requirements, OSHA regulations, or other aerospace industry standards.
• Experience performing FEA, fluid analysis, thermal analysis, or pressure system analysis.
• Experience supporting launch campaigns, propulsion testing, field operations, or mission-critical hardware.
• Working knowledge of welding, machining, fabrication, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
• Previous experience in a startup or rapidly growing aerospace company.
• Hands‑on experience building, troubleshooting, or operating mechanical and fluid systems.

Compensation

Salary Range: $140,000 - 215,000

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees followingan initial90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations aredeterminedon a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team performance. All equity grants are subject to executive review and approvalin accordance withthe Company’s equity plan.
• Retirement Planning:Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities:Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off:Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility:Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits:LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage:We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!