Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering Manager — Lead & Hands-On

orbitfab; Lafayette (CO); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully covered benefits

Discretionary time off

Flexible work hours

Job summary

OrbitFab, based in Lafayette, Colorado, seeks a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the mechanical team from concept to flight-ready hardware. The role balances leadership (50–75%) with hands-on design (25–50%), managing multiple concurrent projects with strong technical oversight.

You will guide process development, review architectures, and ensure compliance with space-grade requirements while mentoring engineers and delivering timely results in a fast-paced startup setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years design, fabrication, and/or test for mechanical systems.
• Proven leadership experience as an engineer lead or team manager.
• CAD and analysis tools proficiency with complex mechanical systems.
• Experience taking a product from concept to operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical team across multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• Delegate tasks to align with skills and growth paths.
• Guide process development and adherence for the Mechanical Engineering team.
• Review system architecture and interfaces with hardware.
• Support analyses for hardware performance, life, and environment.
• Support assembly and test activities including vibration and space environments.
• Review drawings ensuring ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Identify and mitigate roadblocks to progress.
• Deliver presentations and mentor team weekly.
• Maintain effective working relationships within the department.
• Own design and analysis of spacecraft systems, MGSE, and mechanisms; maintain CAD models.
• Provide SME input in architecture, trade studies, verification plans.

Skills

Leadership experience

CAD and analysis tools

Mechanism design

Concept to operation

Space-rated materials knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication & analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ansys

MATLAB

Job description

OrbitFab, based in Lafayette, Colorado, seeks a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the mechanical team from concept to flight-ready hardware. The role balances leadership (50–75%) with hands-on design (25–50%), managing multiple concurrent projects with strong technical oversight.

You will guide process development, review architectures, and ensure compliance with space-grade requirements while mentoring engineers and delivering timely results in a fast-paced startup setting.