Principal Mechanical Architect – Spacecraft Systems

Pulse Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulse Space in Seattle is seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Architect to define the mechanical architecture of next-generation spacecraft, embedding payload functions directly into the spacecraft structure, ensuring efficient thermal balance and optimized mass and power distribution.

You will drive multidisciplinary collaboration across GNC, avionics, laser, and thermal engineering to solve complex space system challenges.

Qualifications

• MS or higher in mechanical/ aerospace/ structural engineering with leadership experience in space hardware.
• 10+ years in spacecraft mechanical/structural architecture and integration.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary teams and space qualification processes.

Responsibilities

• Define the mechanical architecture of spacecraft for integrated payload-structure designs.
• Lead development of structural systems embedding payload functionality.
• Collaborate with GNC and avionics to define mechanical interfaces.
• Partner with laser and thermal engineers for high-power thermal solutions.
• Oversee iterative design processes across disciplines and optimize mass/thermal performance.
• Interface with launch providers on environmental envelopes and test campaigns.
• Drive innovation and lead trade studies, simulations, and performance analyses.
• Mentor and grow a team of mechanical engineers toward excellence.

Skills

Systems engineering

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Leadership

Mentorship

FEA

Thermal modeling

Education

MS in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Eng

PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Eng

Tools

FEA software

Thermal modeling tools

Job description

Position Summary We are seeking a visionary Principal Mechanical Architect to define the mechanical architecture of next-generation spacecraft, enabling highly integrated and optimized spacecraft designs. The ideal candidate will lead the structural and thermal design strategies that embed payload functions directly into the spacecraft structure, ensuring efficient thermal balance, optimized mass, and power distribution. This role will involve collaboration across multiple disciplines, including GNC, avionics, laser, and thermal engineering, and will require innovative thinking to solve complex space system challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the mechanical architecture of spacecraft, enabling integrated payload-structure designs that optimize mass, thermal balance, and power distribution.
• Lead the development of structural systems that embed payload functionality and interface efficiently with spacecraft subsystems.
• Collaborate with GNC and avionics teams to define requirements for reaction wheels, solar arrays, batteries, and other mechanical interfaces.
• Partner with laser and thermal engineers to develop cutting-edge thermal solutions, enabling multi-kilowatt thermal dissipation in space.
• Oversee iterative structural and thermal design processes, ensuring optimization and convergence across disciplines.
• Interface with launch providers to define environmental envelopes, vibration, and shock requirements, as well as qualification and test campaigns.
• Drive innovation in spacecraft structural design, developing novel solutions to complex mechanical and thermal challenges.
• Conduct trade studies, simulations, and performance analyses to optimize spacecraft mass, stiffness, and thermal performance.
• Mentor and grow a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

Basic Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in spacecraft mechanical or structural architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft structural design, thermal management, and mechanical subsystem integration.
• Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams including GNC, avionics, thermal, and payload engineers.
• Strong knowledge of space qualification processes, test campaigns, and launch interface requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical architecture and integrated design.
• Experience with high-power thermal solutions, advanced structural materials, and mass optimization strategies.
• Track record of innovative spacecraft design solutions and leadership in mechanical systems architecture.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal modeling, and multi-physics simulations for space applications.

Competencies

• Systems-level thinking and architecture-level mechanical design expertise.
• Strong problem-solving and innovation skills for complex spacecraft challenges.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentorship skills, with experience guiding multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Passion for space exploration and developing technologies that advance human knowledge and life on Earth.