Mechanical Engineer II, Space Systems

Katalyst Space Technologies; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

Equity and stock options

Job summary

Katalyst Space Technologies in Broomfield, Colorado, is seeking a mechanical engineer to lead the design and integration of spacecraft upgrade modules. The ideal candidate will have 3–4 years of experience in spacecraft design, with strong skills in CAD modeling and FEA analysis. This role demands a hands-on approach and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $110,000 to $140,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years experience designing and modeling spacecraft components.
• 1-2 years experience creating work instructions.
• Strong understanding of material mechanics and failure modes.

Responsibilities

• Drive upgrade modules from concept to completion.
• Analyze structural integrity using FEA tools.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses for designs.

Skills

Spacecraft design

CAD modeling

FEA analysis

Mechanical engineering principles

Manufacturing processes

Job description

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a futurewhere maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are onEarth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What youdo there is the future. We are not building the trains. We arebuilding the machines thatlay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained,responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthensnational security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You’ll Do

• Own one of several upgrade modules and drive from concept to completion
• Tightly work with the NEXUS-1 spacecraft team to ensure the upgrade modules integrate smoothly to the spacecraft
• Identifyand analyze requirements, conceive and develop trade studies on mechanical systems.
• Create and iterate detailed CAD models.
• Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings and perform tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure design intent.
• Analyze structural integrity and performance of parts and assemblies using analytical methods and FEA tools.
• Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to solve challenges involving load paths, stiffness, thermal effects, and vibration.
• Participate in design reviews, failure mode analysis, and system-level integration.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on designs using additive manufacturing, machining, and other fabrication methods.
• Interface with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure mechanical solutions meet overall system requirements.
• Support mechanical integration, testing, and troubleshooting of assemblies both in the lab and in the field.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• 3-4years experiencedesigning,modelingandcreating drawingsfor spacecraft or payloads.
• 1-2years experiencecreating work instructionsand supporting the build process.
• 1-2years experiencerunning FEA analysestoassess vibration and shock loads for spacecraft or payloads.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods
• Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, forming, and joining methods

Preferred

• Hands-on experience buildingandtesting flight hardware
• Experience with avionics,opticsand harnessing
• Experience instart-upenvironments with minimal oversight
• Experience designing and integrating EP or Chem Prop systems
• Ability to thinkina systemsmindsetand understand how one subsystemaffectsthe others

Additional Requirements Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Your 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. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $140,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Due to contractual requirements associated with 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. Learn more about ITAR.