Mechanical Engineer (Satellite Bus)

Starcloud; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental

401(k) with company match

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

Starcloud, Inc. seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and integrate the satellite bus layout and structures for space-based data centers.

You will own the full lifecycle of mechanical systems from concept through deployment, collaborating with leadership and cross-disciplinary teams to deliver low-cost, reliable space hardware at scale. Responsibilities include CAD development, structural/thermal analyses, and DFM-driven design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proficiency with CAD software, ideally NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with FEA software for high-fidelity structural analysis, ideally ANSYS.
• Minimum of 2+ years in mechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T principles.

Responsibilities

• Design CAD models from component level to spacecraft level for launch and orbital configurations.
• Perform structural, kinematic, and thermal analyses to ensure hardware survives launch and operates in orbit.
• Own the lifecycle of mechanical components from concept through manufacturing, testing and deployment.
• Develop DFM strategies to optimize manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
• Collaborate with supply chain and vendors to ensure timely delivery and integration.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

Thermal analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

ANSYS

Job description

Company Overview:

Starcloud is building a network of data centers in space, starting at kilowatts and scaling to gigawatt capacity. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, radiative cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our team, push the boundaries of the space economy, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of energy.

Position Overview:

As a Mechanical Engineer at Starcloud, you will be at the heart of designing, developing, and integrating the satellite bus layout and structures for our space-based data centers. You will own the full lifecycle of our mechanical systems, from concept to orbital operation, working closely with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams to rapidly and iteratively deliver low cost, reliable space hardware at huge scale.

Responsibilities

Design and Development:

• Create and manage detailed CAD models from the component level up to the spacecraft level, accounting for stowed (launch) and deployed (orbital) configurations.
• Perform structural, kinematic, and thermal analyses using FEA and hand calculations to ensure bus and payload hardware survives launch and performs in-orbit.
• Own the lifecycle of mechanical components, iteratively driving projects from initial concept through to manufacturing, testing, and deployment.
• Collaborate on system-level requirements and design criteria to develop holistic DFM strategies that optimize for manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
• Ensure timely project delivery with high standards of quality and performance through pragmatic project management.

Testing and Validation:

• Design and execute comprehensive test plans to validate designs under launch and space environments.
• Perform rigorous environmental and performance testing to demonstrate compliance with requirements.

Production and Integration:

• Partner with supply chain and manufacturing teams to establish efficient production processes.
• Optimize designs for ease of integration and production.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure the flawless delivery and integration of mechanical components.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency with advanced CAD software, ideally NX and teamcenter.
• Experience with FEA software for high-fidelity structural analysis, ideally Ansys.
• Minimum of 2+ years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding and application of GD&T principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design of spacecraft.
• Expertise in materials selection, advanced manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for space applications.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.

Benefits

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Starcloud is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.

Join Starcloud and shape the future!

Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to solving the global energy challenge.

We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.