Mechanical Engineer (Spacecraft)

Aleron; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions in Los Angeles is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer for a full-time, in-office role. You will drive design, development, assembly and testing of structural assemblies for our spacecraft builds.

You will own hardware through the full lifecycle, design for manufacturability with GD&T, and create CAD models in NX/SolidWorks/CREO/Catia while collaborating with subsystems to ensure compliant spaceflight hardware.

Qualifications

• BSME or Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, or similar field.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, including hands-on assembly and integration.
• Minimum 2 years of experience designing primary and secondary spacecraft structural elements.
• Minimum 3 years with NX, SolidWorks, CREO, Catia, etc.
• Minimum 3 years of GD&T.
• Minimum 2 years of experience specifying and analyzing fastener torque values and material finishes (e.g. anodizing). NASA GEVS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for primary and secondary spacecraft structures and geometry selection.
• Develop CAD models and drawings; inspect parts for accuracy.
• Oversee spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration and testing (MGSE design, torquing, staking, fit checks).
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems.
• Own hardware through lifecycle from reception to testing and packing.

Skills

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

NX

SolidWorks

CREO

Catia

Spacecraft hardware assembly

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CREO

Catia

Abaqus

Simcenter

Job description

Job Title: Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Location: Los Angeles

Employment Type: Salaried direct employee with full benefits

Industry: Spacecraft

Compensation: $140,000 - $160,000

Schedule: M-F

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to join our spacecraft team. This is a full-time, in office role for an experienced professional with a proven track record of hands‑on work across multiple areas of spacecraft mechanical engineering. In this role, you will execute the design, development, assembly, and integration, and testing of structural assemblies and systems for our spacecraft builds.

What You'll Do

• Execute the mechanical design and development team for primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including geometry and material selection.
• Design parts for manufacturing, incorporating Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
• Develop CAD models and engineering drawings, and complete part inspections of received parts for accuracy.
• Execute spacecraft mechanical assembly integration and testing, including MGSE design, torquing and staking bolts, performing interference and fit checks, and maintaining cleanroom organization.
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate structural subsystems with other spacecraft subsystems.
• Own hardware through the entire project lifecycle, including part reception, inspection, integration, to spacecraft bus packing, shipping, and testing.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Provide technical mechanical engineering guidance to fellow engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider - we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring

• BSME or Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, or similar field.
• Min 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, that includes hands‑on assembly and integration of space flight hardware, and demonstrated expertise in structural design, harness routing, and systems‑level mechanical engineering.
• Min 2 years of experience designing primary and secondary spacecraft structural elements.
• Min 3 years with NX, Solidworks, CREO, Catia, etc.
• Min 3 years of GD&T.
• Min 2 years of experience specifying and analyzing fastener torque values and material finishes (e.g. anodizing). Experience with the NASA GEVS standard.

What Sets You Apart

• Experience with spacecraft AI&T in clean room environments and adhering to ESD protocols.
• Proficiency with finite element method analysis packages such as Simcenter, Abaqus, Altair/Optistruct, etc.
• Experience with the design, specification, and testing of spacecraft deployable systems and mechanisms.
• Experience executing and leading spacecraft vibration test campaigns.

Additional Information

After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Acara Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Website Privacy Policy | Acara

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.