Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Astro Digital; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Astro Digital is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design of satellite buses. This role involves creating CAD parts, collaborating with engineers, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will have extensive aerospace experience and strong communication skills, with a focus on innovative satellite systems.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Floating holidays

Sick days

PTO

Qualifications

• 7-15 years of aerospace mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency in CAD systems (>5,000 hrs).
• Ability to perform design calculations and basic FEA analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of satellite buses from proposals to final integration.
• Create CAD parts and assemblies, collaborate with engineers.
• Assist junior mechanical engineers in layout and design.

Skills

Mechanical Design

CAD Systems

Design Calculations

Communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

PDM Systems

Job description

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for various applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, Astro Digital has approximately 85 employees and infrastructure worldwide.

Position Summary

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the mechanical design of satellite buses (50 kg to 500 kg), from proposals through to final integration prior to launch.

The ideal candidate is a passionate, self-motivated mechanical design engineer with extensive experience in space systems and components. Responsibilities include creating CAD parts and assemblies, laying out bus structures with structural engineers, collaborating with thermal engineers on coatings, and producing manufacturing, inspection, and assembly drawings. Familiarity with GD&T and tolerancing is essential.

Bonus skills include mechanism design and testing, along with design calculations such as tolerance and torque margin analysis.

The candidate will also assist junior mechanical engineers in layout, component design, drawing creation, and mechanical testing planning and execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 7-15 years of aerospace mechanical design experience
• Proficiency (>5,000 hrs) in CAD systems (SolidWorks or Onshape preferred)
• Experience with version control / PDM systems and release processes
• Ability to perform design calculations and basic FEA analyses
• Experience working with vendors from discovery through purchase orders
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn small satellite mechanical design
• Willingness to mentor less experienced engineers
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, virtual)
• Based in the Denver metro area

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior engineers
• Collaborative experience with structural and thermal engineers
• Ability to produce CAD proposal and public renders
• Experience supporting vibration tests
• Familiarity with standards such as NASA-STD-5020, AIAA-S-114, NASA-STD-5017, NASA-STD-7000
• Knowledge of SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare requirements
• Understanding of thermal environments and effects
• Experience with 3D printing, including exotic materials

Benefits & Additional Details

Benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, 401k, floating holidays, sick days, and PTO. Position requires access to export-controlled data; U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or protected status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $115,000 – $145,000/year

Location: Hybrid (3 days onsite/week) in Littleton, CO

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and IT
• Industries: Aerospace Components Manufacturing