Senior Spacecraft Design Engineer, VLEO Missions

Vaxon Space; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaxon Space in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Design Engineer to lead end-to-end architecture for VLEO missions. You will drive mechanical, electrical, and system-level design decisions, develop CAD models, and coordinate interfaces between subsystems in a fast-paced startup.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with suppliers, support hardware build and integration in the lab, and contribute to design standards.

Qualifications

• Experience engineering complex spacecraft systems.
• Proficiency with CAD and analysis tools.
• Experience with thermal, vibration, radiation, and reliability.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate with stakeholders.
• A startup or fast-paced environment experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end spacecraft architecture and design for VLEO missions.
• Develop CAD models and engineering drawings; specify interfaces between subsystems.
• Mentor engineers and coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Perform trade studies, analyses, and design reviews to meet mission goals.
• Support hardware build and integration in the lab and drive design standard improvements.

Skills

Design Engineering

Product Design

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Leadership & Mentoring

Clear Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

ANSYS

Job description

Vaxon Space in San Jose, CA is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Design Engineer to lead end-to-end architecture for VLEO missions. You will drive mechanical, electrical, and system-level design decisions, develop CAD models, and coordinate interfaces between subsystems in a fast-paced startup.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with suppliers, support hardware build and integration in the lab, and contribute to design standards.