Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Approachventure; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the aerospace sector is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to drive the design and development of reusable satellite platforms. This role involves leading projects from ideation through to flight, ensuring that innovative strategies are implemented. Candidates should possess significant design experience, particularly with aerospace flight hardware, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Equity options

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ideally with flight hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools for mechanical design and structural analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to take systems from concept to flight.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical and structural systems for space vehicles.
• Collaborate closely with thermal, avionics, and propulsion engineers.
• Support prototyping, test campaigns, and flight assembly.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Structural Analysis

Collaboration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA tools

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Approach Venture

Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Help Design the Future of Reusable Satellites!

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-mode, venture-backed space startup is developing the next generation of reusable satellite platforms to transform the economics and performance of both commercial and government missions. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll lead the design and development of critical flight hardware, collaborating closely with a team of proven aerospace veterans to bring scalable, rapidly deployable satellite systems to orbit. This is a unique opportunity to own mechanical systems from early concept through flight, all while helping define a new standard in satellite reusability.

About Us

We’re building breakthrough satellite platforms that are designed from the ground up to be reusable, modular, and mission-adaptable. With deep technical leadership from prior roles at top-tier aerospace companies, our team is redefining what it means to build and operate space vehicles. Backed by world-class investors, our mission is to bring flexibility, performance, and cost efficiency to space missions across domains, from national security to in-space servicing to next-gen communications.

Job Duties

• Design mechanical and structural systems for space vehicles, including enclosures, deployables, and avionics integration
• Perform hand calculations and FEA to verify strength, thermal performance, and structural margins
• Collaborate closely with thermal, avionics, and propulsion engineers to ensure end-to-end system compatibility
• Develop engineering drawings, specs, and documentation for flight hardware
• Support prototyping, test campaigns, and flight assembly for new spacecraft systems
• Optimize for mass, manufacturability, and environmental loads throughout the vehicle lifecycle
• Participate in hardware integration and hands-on build efforts in a rapid development environment
• Evaluate material selection, fasteners, bonding techniques, and structural interfaces
• Contribute to system-level trades and support spacecraft-level design reviews

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field)
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ideally with flight hardware
• Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools for mechanical design and structural analysis
• Demonstrated ability to take systems from concept to flight
• Experience with lightweight structures, precision tolerances, and harsh environment constraints

Preferred Experience

• M.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Prior experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware
• Knowledge of deployable systems, solar panel structures, or thermal/mechanical interface design
• Familiarity with design for reusability, modularity, or in-orbit servicing
• Hands-on experience with integration, test, and flight qualification
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, startup-style environment with cross-functional teams

Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

• Join a stealth-stage team developing real flight hardware with meaningful applications
• Collaborate with aerospace leaders building what’s next in reusable satellite platforms
• Take ownership over systems that go to space and come back
• Grow with a team that values autonomy, technical depth, and innovation
• Equity options
• Flat org structure with real engineering ownership
• Mission-driven team with top-tier backing

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Design

• Industries

  Business Consulting and Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Approach Venture by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

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