Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer – Hardware & Launch Systems

MaC VC; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stock options

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) plan

4 weeks’ Paid Time Off

Holidays – 10 days

Paid Family/Parental Leave

On‑site gym / wellness stipend

Dog friendly offices

Job summary

Stoke Space in Kent, WA seeks a Mechanical Engineer to own spacecraft hardware from blank sheet through flight. You will design structures, mechanisms, and packaging, perform structural/thermal analyses, and work across disciplines to deliver reliable hardware for Nova.

You will create CAD models and drawings, collaborate with machinists and technicians, and help drive cost reductions and manufacturability improvements. Equity potential and comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of hands‑on engineering experience designing, building and testing hardware (internships and major university projects count).
• Exceptional command of mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer, fluid mechanics).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (NX preferred) and creating detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with structural analysis, both hand calculations and FEA.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, additive manufacturing).
• Proven ability to take ownership, work independently, and deliver results.
• Strong communication skills; you can explain complex problems simply.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical and structural hardware from concept through flight operations.
• Design and analyze spacecraft primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, fluid and avionics component packaging, and launch‑vehicle interface hardware.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis using hand calculations and FEA, choosing the right tool for the problem at hand.
• Write margin summaries; develop loads and load cases for launch, deployment and on‑orbit environments.
• Create CAD models and manufacturing drawings with proper GD&TeT.
• Work directly with machinists, welders and technicians to build and test your hardware.
• Procure parts, manage suppliers, and keep your hardware on schedule and on budget.
• Troubleshoot failures, disposition non‑conformances, and drive root cause corrective action.
• Test and improve your hardware: vibration, thermal, thermal‑vacuum, structural, pressure.
• Support design reviews and communicate technical decisions clearly.
• Continuously improve designs to reduce cost, increase reliability, and improve manufacturability.

Skills

Hands‑on hardware design

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field

Tools

NX

ANSYS

Job description

Stoke Space in Kent, WA seeks a Mechanical Engineer to own spacecraft hardware from blank sheet through flight. You will design structures, mechanisms, and packaging, perform structural/thermal analyses, and work across disciplines to deliver reliable hardware for Nova.

You will create CAD models and drawings, collaborate with machinists and technicians, and help drive cost reductions and manufacturability improvements. Equity potential and comprehensive benefits offered.