Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

Kokopelli Capital; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 146,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health coverage

Dental and vision plans

Flexible Time Off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

A space technology company based in Durango, CO, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to drive the design and innovation of rocket engine components. The role involves developing propulsion systems for various space missions and requires profound mechanical design expertise, particularly in high-pressure environments. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and 15+ years of experience in mechanical systems development. The position offers competitive compensation between $146,000 and $247,000, and includes exceptional benefits and a full-time work schedule.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience with mechanical systems development.
• Profound expertise in high-pressure/high-temperature mechanical design.
• GD&T trained (certificate to professional certification).

Responsibilities

• Drive design of in-space propulsion components.
• Translate strategies into actionable engineering requirements.
• Lead hardware from conceptual CAD to vendor selection and testing.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Risk mitigation strategies

Leadership in engineering

Education

B.S. or advanced degree in engineering

Tools

CAD software

ANSYS

Job description

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 Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, 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.

Agile Space Industries is seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer in beautiful Durango, CO. The Mechanical Engineer will drive the architectural design and innovation of rocket engine components specifically for hypergolic propulsion systems. Responsibilities may include design of structures, assemblies, mechanisms, bearings, seals, pressure vessels, engine components, and fluid components as well as design for manufacturing, thermal and stress analysis, component, material, and process selection.

This role may be from Staff to Principal Engineering level and will be assessed as part of the candidate review process.

This role is designed for an individual contributor who has strategic vision and can lead enterprise‑scale technical developments. The ideal candidate has executed many full‑lifecycle development programs, designing mechanical systems in rocket engines (primary structure, chambers, injector layout, cooling systems, pumps, actuators, etc.). The candidate will have profound technical and strategic impact necessary to guide critical methods on active programs and across the company.

• Drive the design and development of complex in‑space propulsion system components and piece parts, ensuring deep system‑level understanding and integration across components and system elements.
• 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.
• Translate long‑term technical strategies into actionable engineering requirements for significant features and projects.
• Take highly ambiguous propulsion challenges and distill them into pragmatic, high‑quality mechanical solutions for the engineering team.
• Act as an advisor to engineering leadership, guiding high‑stakes technical decisions and shaping the company’s engineering vision.
• Cultivate a world‑class engineering culture of technical excellence and collaboration, mentoring all experience levels of engineering and cross‑functional teams.
• Lead hardware through the entire "cradle‑to‑grave" process—from conceptual hand calcs and CAD assembly to vendor selection, assembly, and test execution and analysis.
• Identify and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout development activities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between external customers, internal teams, subcontractors, and cross‑functional groups.

Requirements

• B.S. or advanced degree in related engineering or technical field
• 15+ Years of experience with mechanical systems development, demonstrating strategic and technical impact.
• Profound expertise in mechanical design, specifically for high‑pressure/high‑temperature environments (valves, injectors, combustion chambers, pressure vessels, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in delivering rocket engine hardware architectural solutions and setting company‑wide technical execution methods.
• GD&T trained (certificate up to professional certification).
• Expertise in CAD modeling, including components, assemblies, and drawings, in accordance with ASME Y14.100 standards.
• Expertise in mechanical fastening designing including bolted joints and welding.
• Expertise in engineering in space flight environmental requirements including vibration, shock, and thermal extremes.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within team settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Candidate must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with FEA of mechanical components and sub‑assemblies (ANSYS preferred).
• Experience with machining and manufacturing processes for mechanical components.
• Experience in fluid sealing design and manufacturing
• Experience in design for Laser Powder Bed Fusion additive manufacturing.
• Experience developing FMECA analyses.
• Experience testing mechanical systems for space flight environments.
• Experience with requirements management tools.

Physical Requirements

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

Employment Details

Employment Type: Exempt

Salary: $146,000-$247,000 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.

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Onsite in Durango, CO

Posting Timeline

This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

Onsite

Onsite #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%.

EEO Statement

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, region, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Even If You Don't Meet All Requirements

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation

At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at Agile Space Industries. 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.