R&D Engineer

Spacefactory; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Equity opportunities

On-site work in Huntsville

Job summary

SpaceFactory in Huntsville, AL is seeking a hands-on R&D Engineer (Mechanical / Mechatronics) to design, prototype, and test mechanical and electromechanical systems for space exploration and defense programs.

The role emphasizes full-cycle development from CAD to fabrication, with robotics, automation, and manufacturing systems. Candidates should have a degree in mechanical/mechatronics engineering, strong CAD skills, and practical prototyping experience.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related engineering from an accredited U.S. university.
• Strong CAD experience in SolidWorks/OnShape/Fusion 360 or equivalent.
• Hands-on prototyping and fabrication experience (machining and 3D printing).
• Experience with robotics, automation, or product development.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical/ electromechanical systems in CAD and prototypes.
• Build, prototype, and assemble hardware from the ground up.
• Integrate actuators, sensors, and control systems into prototypes.
• Collaborate across disciplines for manufacturability and reliability.
• Document iterations and support DoD/NASA program reporting.

Skills

CAD design

Hands-on prototyping

Robotics/automation

Control systems basics

Programming basics (Python/C++)

Education

B.S./M.S. in Mechanical/Mechatronics or related

Tools

SolidWorks

OnShape

Fusion 360

Inventor

Job description

R&D Engineer (Mechanical / Mechatronics)

Position Summary:

We're seeking a hands-on, multidisciplinary R&D Engineer to join our team in support of our space exploration and defense logistics programs. The ideal candidate has a mechanical or mechatronics engineering background, is fluent in both CAD and hardware prototyping, and excels in building products from start to finish.

This is a ground-up engineering role — expect to design, fabricate, assemble, test, and iterate rapidly. You'll work closely with a small team on robotics, automation, and manufacturing systems with both defense and space applications. If you like getting your hands dirty and want to make a disproportionate impact at a company that values your contributions, this is where you'll thrive.

Please note: this is a full-time, in-person role based near Huntsville, Alabama. Applicants must be U.S. persons.

What you'll do:

Design mechanical and electromechanical systems in CAD (SolidWorks, OnShape, Fusion 360, or similar)

Build, prototype, and assemble hardware from the ground up

Integrate actuators, sensors, and control systems into functional prototypes

Collaborate across disciplines to refine designs for manufacturability and reliability

Contribute to field testing and system validation

Document design iterations and support reporting for DoD and NASA programs

What you have:

The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with a degree in a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field from an accredited U.S. university. You are passionate about space exploration, hands-on, and ready to build things for impact.

Fluency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, OnShape, Fusion 360, Inventor)

Hands-on prototyping and fabrication experience, from machining to 3D printing

Experience with robotics, automation, and/or product development

Working knowledge of control systems and basic programming (e.g., Python, C++, Arduino, ROS, Klipper, ArduPilot)

Must be able to lift and move equipment up to 40 lbs as part of regular prototyping and assembly work.

U.S. Citizenship (required to comply with federal contract requirements)

Must be able to work onsite in the Huntsville, AL area

You’ll stand out if you bring one or more of the following:

Experience in unmanned aerial/ground vehicle systems

Proficiency with simulation tools such as FEA, CFD, thermal modeling, or granular mechanics modeling

What We Offer:

Opportunity to work on frontier technologies with direct impact on space and defense missions

Flat hierarchy and collaborative startup culture — your contributions are visible and valued.

Long-term growth and equity opportunities as the company scales.

Competitive salary and benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k)).

SpaceFactory is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates applicants regardless of an individual's age, race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or national / planetary origin.