Mechanical Engineering Manager

Terranorbitalcorporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Terran Orbital in Irvine, California is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the spacecraft design mechanical engineering team. The role involves overseeing mechanical designs, team management, and ensuring project success while collaborating with various engineering disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical design background, 8+ years of experience, and proficiency with CAD and PDM tools. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in mechanical design.
• Experience in space or aerospace industry preferred.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers and designers.
• Oversee mechanical layout and transition to production.
• Collaborate across teams for effective mechanical designs.

Skills

CAD tools proficiency (CREO, SolidWorks, Catia)

Mechanical design principles

Leadership experience

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Graduate Degree preferred

Tools

PDM/PLM tools (Windchill, Teamcenter)

MS Office tools

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director of Spacecraft Design Engineering, the Mechanical Engineering Manager will lead our Spacecraft Design Mechanical Engineering team in the design and delivery of state‑of‑the‑art spacecraft and support equipment. The role will oversee mechanical design efforts across multiple programs, ensuring technical excellence, team development, and successful project execution. The Mechanical Engineering Manager maintains a high‑performing engineering team through manpower management, team development, recruiting, and hiring while proactively collaborating with functional and business leadership teams to support business and program requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical design and product development, a passion for space, and proven leadership experience.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of mechanical engineers and designers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the mechanical layout, structural subsystem design, and transition to production of spacecraft and related systems.
• Allocate resources, manage project timelines, and monitor team performance to ensure successful execution.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, electrical integration, structural and thermal analysis, manufacturing, and external partners to deliver efficient and effective mechanical designs.
• Ensure robust team capability to review and approve engineering designs, calculations, and documentation.
• Identify and mitigate mechanical integration risks, proposing innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Lead the team in employing Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Cost (DFC) principles.
• Drive consistent and efficient methodologies, tools, and best practices for mechanical design activities.
• Contribute to business development efforts by providing technical input and estimates for mechanical engineering activities in proposals and project bids.
• Stay updated on advancements in materials, design and analysis methods, and manufacturing processes to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage the staffing of the mechanical engineering team by assessing staffing requirements, recruiting and hiring top talent, fostering employee development, and driving employee engagement to maintain a high‑performing team.
• Travel and work off‑site at other locations may be required.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent field. (Graduate Degree preferred.)
• 8+ years of relevant experience. Management or leadership experience preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (CREO, SolidWorks, Catia, or similar) and Product Data Management/Product Lifecycle Management tools (PDM, Windchill, Teamcenter, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, materials selection, manufacturing processes, and analysis techniques.
• Experience with space or aerospace industry mechanical design, analysis, and testing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations (e.g. DOD, NASA, ESA, etc.).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to make data‑driven decisions under tight deadlines with exemplary attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects; possesses strong organization and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case‑by‑case and may vary based on the job‑related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$140,000 — $200,000 USD

Full‑time positions only:

Benefits

• 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Equal Opportunity

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].