Senior Mechanical Engineer — Antenna Systems Hardware

Front Door Defense; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

E-Space seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the design development and delivery of a deployable payload antenna structure for a space-based IoT system. This hands-on role involves taking concepts through detailed design, analysis, and manufacturing readiness, with on-site work in California or Texas.

You will lead structure and mechanisms design, perform structural and dynamic analyses, qualify for flight environments, and create drawings and documentation for cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 6–8 years of hands-on experience bringing CAD from concept to final product.
• Experience with deployable space structures.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of a deployable payload antenna structure from layout to manufacturing release.
• Lead structure and mechanisms design, including deployment kinematics and hold‑down/release decisions.
• Perform structural and dynamic analyses to meet mass, stiffness, and packaging requirements.
• Qualify the structure for flight environment (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, shock).
• Create detailed drawings, GD&T, and interface control documentation for cross‑functional teams.
• Support manufacturing, integration and test, resolving anomalies throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

Deployable space structures

CAD proficiency

Mass properties analysis

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Robotics

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer — Antenna Systems

Lead the mechanical design and qualification of a deployable payload antenna structure

Location: Saratoga, California, United States; Arlington, Texas, United States

Compensation: $140,000 - 210,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Hardware

About The Role

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

What is the role:

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the design development and delivery of a payload antenna structure. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys developing unique solutions to unique problems.

On‑site in California or Texas. Some travel between sites may be required.

What you will do:

• Own the mechanical design of a deployable payload antenna structure — from preliminary layout through detailed design, analysis, and release to manufacturing.
• Lead structure and mechanisms design, including deployment kinematics, hold down and release mechanism make/buy decisions and rapid prototyping.
• Perform structural and dynamic analysis to meet mass, stiffness, and packaging requirements.
• Take the structure and mechanisms through qualification for the flight environment (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, and shock).
• Create detailed drawings, GD&T, and interface control documentation for cross‑functional team consumption.
• Support manufacturing, integration, and test, resolving mechanical anomalies throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Be a CAD modeling expert (SolidWorks) managing CAD assemblies and drawings.

Required qualifications:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 6 to 8 years of hands‑on experience bringing your CAD from the desktop to your desk‑top.
• Experience with deployable space structures.

Preferred qualifications:

• Solar panel structure design, integration & test.
• Space or flight environmental qualification (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, radiation).
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems (robotics, pick and place, roll to roll etc.).
• Demonstrable experience developing deployable space structures from the ground up.

$140,000 - $210,000 a year. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position in question, which is based on market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, depth of relevant experience, and other relevant factors. For questions about this, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply for the role and are selected for an interview.

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in‑orbit activities. If that's your experience – then we'll be immediately wow‑ed.

The Company is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E‑Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.

We want you to make the most of your journey at E‑Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well‑being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E‑Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off