Mechanical Engineer (Spacecraft)

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer for an in-office, full-time role in Los Angeles. The engineer will lead mechanical design, development, assembly, integration and testing of spacecraft structures, with hands-on responsibility across the full project lifecycle.

You will apply GD&T, CAD modeling, and part inspections while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance with aviation standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience designing, assembling and testing spaceflight hardware.
• Strong background in structural design and harness routing.
• Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with NX, SolidWorks, CREO, or CATIA.
• Familiarity with NASA GEVS standards.

Responsibilities

• Execute mechanical design and development for primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including geometry and material selection.
• Design parts for manufacturing with GD&T practices.
• Develop CAD models and drawings; inspect received parts for accuracy.
• Oversee spacecraft mechanical assembly, integration and testing, including MGSE design and torqueing bolts, fit checks, and cleanroom discipline.
• Create mechanical assembly procedures and documentation of results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Hands-on assembly

Structural design

GD&T

Education

BSME or Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CREO

CATIA

Simcenter

Abaqus

Altair/Optistruct

Job description

Job Title: Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Employment Type: Salaried direct employee with full benefits

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:

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.