Mechanism Engineer- Assembly, Integration & Test- Western Texas - 172141

Piper Companies; Wink (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Temporary housing

RSUs

Monthly stipend

Unlimited PTO after 90 days

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions seeks a Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) to join a high-impact team working on spacecraft mechanisms for a next-generation satellite constellation. This hands-on, mission-critical role focuses on deployment systems and precision moving assemblies, not just static structures.

Responsibilities include assembly, integration, testing on the factory floor, development of GSE for TVAC and vibration tests, and leading failure investigations with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical/Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience with aerospace mechanisms and deployment systems.
• Ability to lead failure investigations and root-cause analyses.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, and deployable booms/arms.
• Perform hands-on mechanical integration and inspection on the factory floor with technicians.
• Develop and operate ground support equipment for vibration, shock, and TVAC testing of deployment hardware.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure alignment and reliable deployment of moving assemblies.
• Calculate torque margins, hinge preload, and separation forces for deployment actuators and release systems.
• Analyze test data and define pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft integration and launch.
• Troubleshoot deployment anomalies and drive corrective actions and design/process improvements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) to join a high‑impact team supporting the design, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms for a next‑generation satellite constellation. This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical, focused on deployment systems and precision mechanisms (rather than static structures or analysis‑only work).

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, HDRMs, release devices, and deployable booms/arms with thousands of moving parts per satellite.
• Perform hands‑on mechanical integration and inspection on the factory floor alongside technicians.
• Develop and operate ground support equipment (GSE) for vibration, shock, and thermal‑vacuum (TVAC) testing of deployment hardware.
• Perform tolerance stack‑up analysis to ensure alignment, prevent binding, and enable clean, reliable deployment of moving assemblies.
• Calculate and verify torque margins, hinge preload, and separation forces for deployment actuators and release systems.
• Analyze test data and define pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft‑level integration, launch, and on‑orbit support.
• Troubleshoot deployment anomalies and perform root‑cause failure investigations; drive corrective actions and design/process improvements for mechanisms that do not deploy cleanly.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with structures, avionics, harness, AOCS, solar, quality, and production teams to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment.

Qualifications

• 3–10+ years of hands‑on experience with aerospace mechanisms, deployment systems, or precision moving assemblies (structures‑only or stress‑analysis‑only backgrounds will not suffice).
• Proven experience assembling, integrating, and testing deployable space hardware.
• Strong understanding of beam loading and bending moments as they apply to deployable systems, plus torque margin, hinge preload, and tolerance stack‑ups in moving assemblies.
• Ability to discuss real‑world deployment failure modes and corrective actions taken on flight or qualification hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and common test equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills with the ability to lead failure investigations.
• Flexibility for occasional weekend and early‑morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployment operations).

Compensation

• Salary Range: ~$85,000–$100,000 for mid‑level engineers, $100,000–$140,000+ for senior engineers (**based on experience**)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays
• Additional Benefits: $10K relocation assistance/ bonus + temp housing assistance, RSUs: 750-5000, monthly stipend: $750-$1000, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Location: 100% onsite in Western TX

Keywords

Mechanisms Engineer, AIT, Aerospace, Satellite Integration, CAD, Creo, SolidWorks, Thermal Vacuum Testing, Vibration Testing, Ground Support Equipment, Test Engineering, Spacecraft, CubeSat, Launch Operations, Agile, Manufacturing, SpaceTech