Mechanical Engineer (Vehicle Engineering), Entry to Mid-Level

Astrolab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) plan with match

Flexible PTO and parental leave

Weekly lunch stipend

Job summary

Astrolab, Hawthorne, CA, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and qualify rover structures, mechanisms and thermal hardware for lunar missions. You will collaborate across the engineering team to ensure flight-ready hardware and robust test plans, reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager.

The role emphasizes CAD-based development, FEA, manufacturing considerations, and working under lunar constraints to advance off-planet exploration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical system engineering.
• Experience using CAD software for part modeling and development.
• Experience using software packages for finite element modeling and analysis.
• Experience in design for manufacturing and GD&T of parts.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the engineering design team to understand the mechanical needs of the rover and contribute to design evolution.
• Design and analyze mechanical systems at system, sub-system, and component levels using simulation and test data.
• Define component requirements and communicate lunar constraints within the team.
• Make flight hardware selections and develop build flow for integration into the vehicle for flight.
• Develop test plans to validate subsystems and coordinate testing with facilities.

Skills

Mechanical design

System integration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

CAD software

Finite element analysis software

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing tools

Job description

Compensation: $100,000 - $157,000 / year

Department: Vehicle Engineering

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $100,000 - $157,000 / year

Description

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

The Astrolab design team works collaboratively to design, develop and implement exceptional engineering solutions to enable off planet exploration. As a Mechanical Engineer within that team, you will be responsible for the design, development, test, flight, and operation of novel structures, mechanisms, and thermal hardware critical to the Astrolab lunar rover. You will report to our mechanical engineering manager.

What you'll do:

• Collaborate with the engineering design team to understand the mechanical needs of the Astrolab rover, leveraging experience to contribute to the evolution of the design
• Design and analysis of mechanical systems at the full system, sub system, and component level using software simulation methods and experimental test data
• Define component requirements, understand lunar operational constraints and effectively communicate these within the team
• Make flight hardware selection decisions and develop the build flow for integrating this hardware into the vehicle for flight
• Develop test plans to validate and qualify mechanical subsystems for flight, coordinating with both in-house and external test facilities to execute testing

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical system engineering
• Experience using CAD software for part modeling and development
• Experience using software packages for finite element modeling and analysis
• Experience in design for manufacturing and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of parts

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
• Experience in the engineering of structures, mechanisms, electro-mechanical systems, thermal hardware
• Experience planning and executing flight hardware development programs from the ground up
• Experience specifying and executing hardware qualification and acceptance test programs
• Ability to mentor and develop more junior mechanical engineers to build an effective design team

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks