Spacecraft Docking & Mating Systems Engineer

Rendezvous Robotics; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rendezvous Robotics is seeking a Mid to Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer to own docking, capture, and mating hardware for in-space assembly of self-assembling satellites. You will lead design, analysis, and testing from concept through qualification and production, coordinating with GNC, electrical, avionics, software, and external suppliers.

The role is based on-site in Golden, Colorado, and requires 4+ years of spacecraft mechanisms experience, a solid CAD background, and hands-on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (required).
• 4+ years of spacecraft or satellite mechanism design experience.
• Flight-qualified spaceflight hardware experience.
• Mechanism design with repeated contact and cyclic operation.
• Tolerance stack‑up analysis across interfaces.
• Design of connector or contact interfaces with high reliability.
• Hands‑on mechanism development, assembly, and test.
• Proficiency with structural FEA for modal, quasi‑static, and random vibration.
• Strong 3D CAD, drawings, tolerances, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Knowledge of spaceflight materials, hardware, and fabrication techniques.

Responsibilities

• Own docking latch design including capture envelope and preload.
• Own the mating electrical interface, blind‑mate connectors, mate/de‑mate forces.
• Manage the alignment budget and tolerances across interfaces.
• Trace the load path from docking interface into primary structure.
• Analyze differential thermal expansion and load transfer at the joint.
• Design for contamination, debris, and wear tolerance at mating interfaces.
• Perform structural analysis of the mechanism and joint for vibration.
• Develop test plans and support TVAC, wear, and life tests.
• Select materials, coatings, and lubricants for repeated mating in vacuum.
• Engage suppliers, support fabrication, and produce GD&T drawings.

Skills

CAD design

GD&T

FEA

Mechanical design

Spaceflight hardware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree (a plus)

Tools

Onshape

Python

MATLAB

FEM tools (ANSYS/Nastran)

Job description

Rendezvous Robotics is seeking a Mid to Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer to own docking, capture, and mating hardware for in-space assembly of self-assembling satellites. You will lead design, analysis, and testing from concept through qualification and production, coordinating with GNC, electrical, avionics, software, and external suppliers.

The role is based on-site in Golden, Colorado, and requires 4+ years of spacecraft mechanisms experience, a solid CAD background, and hands-on