Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer - In-Space Robotics

Socket.dev; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation bonus

Medical insurance

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Katalyst is seeking an experienced mechanical engineer to design and flight-qualify spacecraft mechanisms and assemblies. You will develop CAD models, run FEA analyses, and create detailed manufacturing drawings to support integrated space systems.

The role emphasizes iterative prototyping and close collaboration with electrical and software teams. Ideal candidates have 5–8 years in spacecraft mechanism design, with strong materials mechanics knowledge, and experience with machining, welding,

Qualifications

• 5-8 years designing, modeling, developing, and flight-qualifying spacecraft mechanisms, assemblies, or payloads.
• ≥3 years running FEA analyses for vibration and shock in spacecraft or payloads.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, tribology, motors and electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with machining, welding, forming, and joining processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the NEXUS-1 spacecraft team to ensure upgrade modules integrate with the spacecraft.
• Develop and analyze kinematics, mechanism architectures, and dynamic models for deployable assemblies.
• Create detailed CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings with tolerance analyses.
• Perform structural analyses and validate design through FEA and analytical methods.
• Prototype, test, and iterate designs using additive manufacturing and machining.
• Interface with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure meet system requirements.

Skills

Spacecraft design

CAD modeling

FEA analysis

Manufacturing processes

Systems thinking

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

Job description

Katalyst is seeking an experienced mechanical engineer to design and flight-qualify spacecraft mechanisms and assemblies. You will develop CAD models, run FEA analyses, and create detailed manufacturing drawings to support integrated space systems.

The role emphasizes iterative prototyping and close collaboration with electrical and software teams. Ideal candidates have 5–8 years in spacecraft mechanism design, with strong materials mechanics knowledge, and experience with machining, welding,