Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer — Structures & Mechanisms (Equity)

Samara Aerospace; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare

401k matching

Unlimited PTO

Catered lunch

Education assistance

Relocation assistance

17 paid holidays

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Samara Aerospace is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, build, and test next‑generation spacecraft at our San Francisco HQ. You’ll work with mechanical and electrical engineers on spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and solar arrays in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will perform structural and thermal analyses, create manufacturing drawings with GD&T, and contribute to system integration. Strong problem solving and teamwork are essential for this multi-disciplinary role.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years of spacecraft mechanical design and integration experience.
• Proficiency in CAD NX.
• Experience with structural and thermal hand calculations and analysis (FEA experience preferred).
• Experience with design and fabrication of composite and/or metallic components.
• Ability to generate engineering drawings with sufficient GD&T to communicate design and manufacturing intent.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and schematics.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work in a dynamic startup environment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, procure, assemble, and test satellite structures, mechanisms, and solar arrays.
• Identify loads, interfaces, and functional requirements at component and systems level.
• Select materials and mechanical components suitable for space environments.
• Incorporate design for manufacturing and assembly features.
• Contribute to high-level spacecraft architecture.
• Collaborate with electrical team to integrate avionics and wiring harnesses.
• Perform mechanical and/or thermal analysis of spacecraft systems.
• Generate manufacturing drawings, manage BOMs, and source components.
• Participate in hands-on prototyping and testing of spacecraft components.
• Assist in developing environmental test plans (launch vibration, thermal vacuum).
• Design ground support equipment including jigs, fixtures, and mass offload systems.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams for vehicle integration.
• Assist in expanding Samara manufacturing and facilities to improve efficiency.
• Identify ways to improve operational efficiency.

Skills

Spacecraft mechanical design

NX CAD

GD&T

Engineering drawings

Problem solving

Teamwork

Thermal analysis

Materials selection

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

Thermal Desktop

NX Nastran

Python

Job description

Samara Aerospace is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, build, and test next‑generation spacecraft at our San Francisco HQ. You’ll work with mechanical and electrical engineers on spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and solar arrays in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will perform structural and thermal analyses, create manufacturing drawings with GD&T, and contribute to system integration. Strong problem solving and teamwork are essential for this multi-disciplinary role.