Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft (I-III)

True Anomaly; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

401K plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm in Long Beach seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design next-generation spacecraft for space security. The role involves optimizing mechanical structures, developing spacecraft systems, and integrating electronics. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 1–4 years of relevant experience, particularly in aerospace. Proficiency in CAD software like NX and SolidWorks is essential. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace or defense.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation.
• Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles.

Responsibilities

• Support design and optimization of mechanical structures for spacecraft.
• Assist in spacecraft structural system development and integration.
• Contribute to design of mechanisms for deployment systems.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD modeling

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX (Siemens)

SolidWorks

Job description

YOUR MISSION

As a Mechanical Engineer (I-II) at True Anomaly, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing the next generation of spacecraft that define the future of space security and sustainability. From LEO/GEO satellites to small sat platforms and on‑orbit servicing vehicles, you will own the mechanical design of flight systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments known to engineering. This is a rare opportunity to shape vehicle architecture from the ground up — translating mission requirements into flight‑ready hardware that safeguards access to space for the U.S. and its allies.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies for LEO/GEO satellites, small sat platforms, and on‑orbit servicing vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, and reliability requirements.
• Assist in the development of spacecraft structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and flight hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Support the design of primary and secondary structures for launch load environments, including sine burst, random vibration, and shock, in compliance with launch vehicle ICD requirements.
• Contribute to the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold‑down and release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies intended for on‑orbit operation.
• Assist in the packaging and integration of electronics assemblies and avionics hardware within the spacecraft structure, with consideration for thermal interfaces, harness routing, and accessibility during integration and test.
• Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including structural mounting, thruster bracket design, and propellant line routing.
• Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for spacecraft components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
• Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
• Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
• Assist in the development and execution of structural and mechanisms test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
• Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 1–4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
• Exposure to or coursework in spacecraft or satellite systems, including structural design, mechanisms, or space environment considerations.
• Hands‑on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
• Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to launch and on‑orbit environments.
• Exposure to mechanisms design, including hinges, deployment systems, actuators, or other moving assemblies.
• Familiarity with electronics packaging concepts, including thermal interface materials, harness routing, and avionics integration constraints.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross‑functional team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience designing hardware for space or flight environments, including considerations for launch loads, thermal cycling, vacuum outgassing, and radiation.
• Familiarity with smallsat or CubeSat platforms, including COTS component integration and mass‑constrained design.
• Exposure to on‑orbit servicing concepts, proximity operations vehicles, or docking and capture mechanisms.
• Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions.
• Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including thruster or tank mounting and propellant line routing.
• Familiarity with relevant spacecraft and aerospace standards (e.g., NASA‑STD‑5001, GEVS, AIAA S‑110, MIL‑SPEC).
• Exposure to full hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, and test.
• Familiarity with configuration management and PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and engineering change processes.
• Experience working in a startup or fast‑paced environment with compressed development timelines.
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.

Compensation

Base Salary:

• Denver: $65,000 - $110,000
• Long Beach: $70,000 - $115,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave.

Additional Requirements

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person’s working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled.

To conform to 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.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.