Mechanical Engineer II

Zoomcar; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoomcar is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join their satellite hardware team in Burlingame, CA. This role involves designing and qualifying fluid delivery and pressurized gas systems for satellites. You will collaborate with various engineering disciplines to deliver flight-qualified hardware and have hands-on responsibilities throughout the development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, 2-5 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks. An on-site presence in Burlingame is required for this position.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience designing fluid or gas delivery systems.
• Hands-on experience with solenoid valves and pressure regulation hardware.
• Understanding of flow behavior across pressure regimes.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate fluid delivery systems.
• Select and qualify fluid system components for spaceflight.
• Develop and integrate automation software for ground test operations.

Skills

Designing fluid delivery systems

Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks)

Problem-solving ability

Attention to detail

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join Xona’s satellite hardware team in Burlingame, CA. In this role, you will design, build, and qualify fluid delivery and pressurized gas systems for satellite environments. You will own this subsystem end-to-end, from architecture to component selection through qualification testing and integration with the satellite bus.

You will work closely with structures, electrical, and software engineers to deliver reliable, flight-qualified hardware. This is a hands‑on role spanning mechanical design, test, and process development, with opportunities to contribute throughout the development lifecycle from early prototyping through spacecraft integration and into production.

What You’ll Do

• Design and simulate fluid delivery systems spanning high pressure to free molecular flow regimes.

• Select, specify, and qualify fluid system components (valves, transducers, filters, regulators, etc.) for spaceflight use.

• Develop and assemble ground testing infrastructure including enclosures and safety‑critical containment hardware for high‑pressure test operations.

• Specify and implement flow control logic, including valve sequencing, setpoint management, and fault protection.

• Develop and integrate automation software for ground test operations and system control.

• Write work instructions, test procedures, and assembly documentation for flight hardware.

• Ensure compliance with DOT certification standards and applicable regulations for pressurized system transport and operation.

• Own CAD models, drawings, and BOMs for fluid system assemblies.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 2–5 years of experience designing fluid or gas delivery systems, preferably in aerospace, semiconductor, or related industries.

• Experience with pressurized system design, leak detection, and proof or burst testing.

• Hands‑on experience with solenoid valves, flow controllers, and pressure regulation hardware.

• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar).

• Understanding of flow behavior across pressure regimes, including continuum and free molecular flow.

• Experience designing and executing qualification or acceptance test programs.

• Strong problem‑solving ability and attention to detail.

• Ability to work onsite in Burlingame, CA.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with high vacuum systems and vacuum‑compatible materials and processes.

• Experience with automation or control software for fluid systems (LabVIEW, Python, or similar).

• Familiarity with tubing standards, fittings (e.g., Swagelok, AN/MS), and tube routing practices.

• Working knowledge of DOT certification and hazardous pressure system regulations.

• Experience writing work instructions or procedures for flight hardware.

• Familiarity with spacecraft integration and mechanical design for space environments.

For U.S. Roles:

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles:

To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.