Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Astro Mechanica; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with stock options

Flexible time-off policy

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to join our growing team in San Francisco. You will own hardware design from concept to production and influence the configuration and performance of our demonstrator aircraft.

You’ll shepherd airframe integration and component hardware from whiteboard through analysis, qualification, vehicle integration, and flight. The role requires a Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 2–5+ years designing, integrating, or

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 2–5+ years designing, integrating, or testing fluid or mechanical systems.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and GD&T.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools: NX, CATIA V5 or SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Perform trade studies and first-order analyses to inform component design and system architecture decisions.
• Complete detailed component designs and drawings; validate with structural, thermal, or fluid analyses.
• Collaborate with propulsion, structures, avionics, controls, and manufacturing teams for integration.
• Work with suppliers to specify, select, and qualify components.
• Develop and conduct hardware test plans and analyze data to verify requirements.
• Provide hands-on support during prototyping, vehicle builds, ground tests, and flight campaigns.
• Participate in technical reviews, generate documentation, and contribute to safety analyses.

Skills

Fluid/mechanical design

GD&T

Mechanical systems analysis

Manufacturing processes

Problem solving

Fast-paced adaptability

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Tools

NX

CATIA V5

SolidWorks

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—including Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system, with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking an experienced Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Astro Mechanica demonstrator aircraft.

In this role, your mission will be to shepherd novel airframe integration and component hardware from whiteboard design through analysis, qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Perform trade studies and first-order analyses to inform component design and system architecture decisions
• Complete detailed component designs and drawings. Validate your designs with structural, thermal, and/or fluid analyses
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, structures, avionics, controls, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless component and system integration
• Work with suppliers to specify, select, and qualify off-the-shelf and/or custom components
• Develop and conduct hardware test plans and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics meet design intent
• Provide hands-on support during prototyping, vehicle builds, ground testing, and flight test campaigns
• Participate in technical reviews, generate clear documentation, and contribute to safety and hazard analyses

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 2–5+ years of experience designing, integrating, or testing fluid or mechanical systems
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or similar) for routing, packaging, and component design
• Solid understanding of mechanical system, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals and analysis methods
• Hands‑on experience with hardware— fabrication, assembly, or testing
• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, evolving development environment

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in‑office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.