Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II

Kokopelli Capital; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 108,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Job summary

Agile Space Industries in Durango, CO, is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, and produce propulsion hardware and components. You will work on multi-disciplinary teams to specify, design, and test engines and related systems, with opportunities for growth within a fast-paced, mission-driven culture.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware assembly, test execution, data analysis, and collaboration with customers and suppliers in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design.
• Experience presenting to customers during design reviews.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling and ASME Y14.100 standards.
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and techniques.
• Experience developing hardware through manufacturing processes.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop components and assemblies for chemical rocket systems, including concept creation, hand calculations, CAD assembly design, BOM creation, drawing production and collaboration with manufacturing and testing teams.
• Lead and coordinate design review sessions (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, etc.) with cross-functional teams.
• Perform structural, thermal, and fluid analysis (hand calculations) of components and systems.
• Oversee vendor selection and ensure smooth transition to operations team.
• Develop and implement detailed work instructions for assembly, integration, and testing processes.
• Engage in hands-on hardware assembly, test execution, data analysis, and report writing.
• Identify and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout development activities.
• Facilitate communication between external customers, internal teams, subcontractors.

Skills

CAD modeling

GD&T

Communication

Teamwork

Customer presentations

Manufacturing experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

ANSYS

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upcoming growth in Seattle, Washington, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan.

Agile Space Industries is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in beautiful Durango, CO. This role will be embedded in multi-disciplinary project teams working to specify, design, prototype, and produce advanced rocket engines, propulsion systems, associated components, rocket test facilities, and payload processing systems. Agile follows a fast-paced culture and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity for growth and increased sphere of influence. Responsibilities may include design of structures, assemblies, mechanisms, bearings, seals, pressure vessels, and fluid components as well as design for manufacturing, thermal and stress analysis, and component, material, and process selection.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop components and assemblies for chemical rocket systems, including concept creation, hand calculation verification, CAD assembly design and management, BOM creation, drawing production, and collaboration with manufacturing and testing teams.
• Lead and coordinate design review sessions (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, etc.) with cross-functional teams.
• Perform structural, thermal, and fluid analysis (hand calculations) of components and systems.
• Oversee vendor selection and ensure smooth transition to the operations team.
• Develop and implement detailed work instructions for assembly, integration, and testing processes.
• Engage in hands-on hardware assembly, test execution, data analysis, and report writing.
• Identify and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout development activities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between external customers, internal teams, subcontractors, and cross-functional groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering or technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design
• Proven experience in presenting to customers during design reviews.
• Strong design background with expertise in applying mechanics of materials and fluid engineering principles to complex systems.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling, including components, assemblies, and drawings, in accordance with ASME Y14.100 standards.
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and techniques.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within team settings.
• Experience developing hardware through manufacturing processes.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a focus on delivering consistent, quality results on tight timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned tasks and anticipate team needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• GD&T trained (certificate up to professional certification).
• Experience with FEA of mechanical components and sub-assemblies (ANSYS preferred).
• Experience designing for extreme temperature, highly corrosive, or in-space environments.
• Experience with machining.
• Experience in welding design or operations.
• Experience in design for additive manufacturing.
• Experience developing FMECA analyses.
• Experience with designing and analyzing fluid system components such as pressure vessels, control valves, and fittings.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type

Exempt

Work Schedule

Full Time

Travel Requirements

<25%

Location

Onsite Durango, CO

Salary

$108,000 - $155,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.

#LI-Onsite

What You'll Love About Us

• Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.

We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Disclaimer

Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time, temporary, or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Reasonable Accommodation

At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [e-mail].

Recruitment Notice

Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.

Salary Description

$108,000 - $155,000 annually