Senior Mechanical Lead, Space Compute Hardware

Cowboy Space Corp.; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays per calendar year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Office lunch in the office and snacks

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy, developing space-based compute hardware for LEO satellites.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will own packaging, chassis design, thermal management, and structural qualification, guiding a team of mechanical engineers across the full hardware lifecycle. The role demands hands-on integration, end-to-end development, and collaboration with electrical and spacecraft teams to ensure reliable, high-performance

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years on flight hardware for aerospace/high-reliability programs.
• Technical lead or authority on electronics enclosures or compute hardware design.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX/SolidWorks) and GD&T; experienced with structural analysis and thermal modeling.
• Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification (vibration, thermal-vacuum).
• Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture of space-based compute hardware from concept to production.
• Lead system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and thermal performance.
• Mentor a team of mechanical engineers and set technical direction.
• Define interfaces and budgets for compute and power electronics assemblies.
• Drive structural and thermal analysis with analysts to meet requirements.
• Develop mechanical drawings, GD&T specs, and ICDs for manufacturers and vendors.
• Execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification.
• Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and cross-functional discussions.
• Collaborate with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft teams to ensure interface compatibility.

Skills

5+ years experience

Technical lead

Team leadership

Space hardware familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

GD&T

Thermal modeling tools

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy, developing space-based compute hardware for LEO satellites.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will own packaging, chassis design, thermal management, and structural qualification, guiding a team of mechanical engineers across the full hardware lifecycle. The role demands hands-on integration, end-to-end development, and collaboration with electrical and spacecraft teams to ensure reliable, high-performance