Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) — Spacecraft Deployables

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 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.