Senior Mechanisms Engineer

Karman+ - Launching the Regolith Age; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Karman+ in Colorado is seeking a seasoned Mechanisms Engineer to drive design, analysis, build and test of space-grade mechanisms such as thruster gimbals and solar array drives.

You will take concepts from CAD to reality, lead FEA and thermal analyses, and work with manufacturing partners to ensure reliable operation in orbit. The role demands hands-on testing and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanism design with hands-on CAD-to-test work.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft mechanism design considerations.
• Proven track record in machining/manufacturing of space mechanisms.
• Problem-solving mindset: theory to hardware in lab testing.
• Understanding of thermal and propulsion system design considerations.
• Desire to keep design cycles tight with build-break philosophy.
• Motivated to be part of an elite team.

Responsibilities

• Full cycle development of thruster gimbals, solar array drives, and deployers.
• Own material selection and environmental compatibility for orbit operation.
• Drive manufacturing and assess build vs buy trades.
• Design and procure drive trains for linear and rotational actuators.
• Specify and implement feedback mechanisms.
• FEA, stress analysis, and thermal expansion simulations for mission phases.
• Collaborate with teams to refine requirements based on use cases.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate mechanical/robotic subsystem risks.

Skills

Mechanism design

Spacecraft mechanisms

Machining & manufacturing

Finite element analysis

Thermal expansion & materials

Job description

At Karman+ we are building vehicles for beyond earth orbit. Your role would be to drive development of mission critical mechanisms, such as solar array drive actuators, thruster gimbals, and deployers. With your expertise, you will take new and existing designs from CAD to reality, by driving design, analysis, build, test, and integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Full cycle development of thruster gimbals, solar array drives, and deployers.
• Own material selection, and environmental compatibility to ensure successful operation of mechanisms in orbit.
• Drive manufacturing of components and assess build vs buy trades.
• Design and procure drive trains for linear and rotational actuators.
• Specify and implement feedback mechanisms.
• Finite element analysis, stress contact studies, and thermal expansion simulations for relevant mission phases.
• Collaborate closely with other teams to refine requirements, based on their use cases.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with the mechanical and robotic subsystems. Conduct regular reviews to address technical risks and adjust mitigation strategies as needed.

What You Bring

• Equivalent of 5+ years of experience in mechanism design, with a hands‑on approach to design, analysis, build, and testing.
• A robust understanding of design considerations for spacecraft mechanisms, such as light weighting, surface coating selection, materials compatibility, galvanic corrosion/dissimilar metals, outgassing, and thermal expansion.
• Proven track record in machining and manufacturing of space mechanisms through a combination of vertical integration and outsourcing.
• Problem‑solving mindset— going from theory to hardware by working in a lab to define testing and verify analysis to ensure integrity across mission phases.
• An understanding of thermal and propulsion system design considerations.
• A desire to keep design cycles tight, by following a build and break philosophy.
• Motivation to challenge the status quo, and be an integral part of an elite team.