Spacecraft Lead AI&T Engineer

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

On-site role in Los Angeles

Job summary

Acara Solutions, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a Lead AI&T Engineer to join our spacecraft team. This is a full-time, in-office role for an experienced professional who will lead the design, development, assembly, and testing of spacecraft structural assemblies and systems.

The position does not require a clearance to start, but a Top Secret clearance will be needed in the coming months. You will mentor engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet mission milestones.

Qualifications

• BSME or aerospace engineering degree required.
• 5+ years of aerospace mechanical engineering experience with leadership of assembly and integration of space flight hardware.
• 5+ years delivering high-quality spacecraft structures design, assembly, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft mechanical assembly integration and testing, including MGSE design and EGSE coordination.
• Lead design and development of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including geometry and material selection.
• Develop CAD models and engineering drawings with surface finish and GD&T specs.
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures for space hardware.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate structural subsystems with other spacecraft subsystems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.

Skills

Project leadership

EMC/EMI testing

Spacecraft systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Python programming

C++ programming

MATLAB

Education

BSME / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

Creo

Job description

Employment Type: Salaried direct employee with full benefits

Compensation: $140,000 - $160,000

Schedule: M-F

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a Lead AI&T Engineer to join our spacecraft team. This is a full-time, in office role for an experienced professional with a proven track record of hands‑on work across multiple areas of spacecraft mechanical engineering. In this role, you will lead the design, development, assembly, and testing of structural assemblies and systems for our spacecraft builds.

The position does not require a clearance to start, but it will require the employee to get a Top Secret in the coming months.

What You'll Do:

• Lead spacecraft mechanical assembly integration and testing, including MGSE design, EGSE coordination, environmental test planning and execution, and cleanroom maintenance.
• Lead the design and development team for the primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including geometry and material selection.
• Lead the development of CAD models and engineering drawings, including surface finish and GD&T specifications.
• Develop mechanical assembly procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate structural subsystems with other spacecraft subsystems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

BSME, Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, or similar field.

Min 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace along with experience leading the assembly and integration of space flight hardware.

Min 5 years of practical experience delivering high-quality results in the design, assembly, and testing of spacecraft structures, including demonstrated expertise in structural design, harness routing, and systems-level mechanical engineering.
Min 3 years of experience in 3D CAD software such as Solidworks, NX, Catia, Creo

Experience should also include:

• Specifying and analyzing fastener torque values and material finishes (e.g. anodizing).
• NASA GEVS standard.
• Working in clean room environments and adhering to ESD protocols.

The ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

What Sets You Apart:

• End to end program leadership experience with rapid on-orbit tech demo missions.
• Understanding of EMC/EMI testing and design considerations for spacecraft.
• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience in spacecraft design, with a deep understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystems.
• Experience with launch integration, including coordination with launch service providers.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, C++, or MATLAB) and space system / mission modeling.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.