Senior Mechanical Architect, Space Propulsion Systems

Xona; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona, Burlingame, is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to own propulsion hardware design and drive the mechanical and thermal architecture from concept through prototype and into production.

You will lead full-system CAD development, perform FEA, and optimize heat transfer and structural integrity for space deployment. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust hardware, build and test prototypes, and contribute to qualification and flight hardware readiness in a high-ownership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience leading mechanical hardware design from concept to production.
• Strong emphasis on Design for Manufacturability with machinists and vendors.
• Expert-level GD&T and tolerance analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Deep materials knowledge including refractory metals and ceramics; specify processing.
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks) and FEA/thermal analysis tools.
• Prototyping mindset with hands-on hardware development and testing.
• Strong problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
• Team-based collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead designer for propulsion system and supporting hardware.
• Drive DFM across high-precision components with machine shops and vendors.
• Select materials for high-temp and vacuum environments and define treatments.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis to verify margins and survive launch/ops.
• Build, assemble, iterate on prototype hardware and support TVAC integration.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes, engineering models, and flight hardware.
• Define inspection, acceptance, and assembly procedures for production transition.
• Support supplier evaluation and selection for mechanical and thermal parts.

Skills

Mechanical design leadership

Design for Manufacturability

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

SolidWorks CAD

FEA / thermal-structural analysis

Prototype hardware build

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Finite element modelling

Job description

Xona, Burlingame, is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to own propulsion hardware design and drive the mechanical and thermal architecture from concept through prototype and into production.

You will lead full-system CAD development, perform FEA, and optimize heat transfer and structural integrity for space deployment. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust hardware, build and test prototypes, and contribute to qualification and flight hardware readiness in a high-ownership