Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer — Hands-On Design & Testing

Motive Companies, LLC; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical healthcare

401(k) matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Dental care

Vision care

Job summary

Motive Companies, LLC in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to lead hands-on design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft structures. This direct, full-time role focuses on primary and secondary structures and requires experience with aerospace hardware.

You will produce CAD models and drawings, apply GD&T, oversee MGSE, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliant, high-quality hardware across the full project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years core aerospace mechanical engineering experience.
• Hands-on spaceflight hardware assembly and integration.
• Experience with spacecraft primary/secondary structures and CAD.
• Familiarity with NASA GEVS standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop spacecraft primary and secondary structures.
• Create CAD models and drawings; inspect parts.
• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware.
• Develop assembly procedures and MGSE tooling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems.
• Manage hardware through full lifecycle including packaging and shipping.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Document designs, tests, and performance.
• Provide guidance to engineers.

Skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

GD&T

Job description

Motive Companies, LLC in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to lead hands-on design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft structures. This direct, full-time role focuses on primary and secondary structures and requires experience with aerospace hardware.

You will produce CAD models and drawings, apply GD&T, oversee MGSE, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliant, high-quality hardware across the full project lifecycle.