Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer: Launch Restraint & Release

Rendezvous Robotics; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rendezvous Robotics, based in Golden, Colorado, seeks a Mid to Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer to own design, analysis, and testing of launch restraint and release systems. You will work with systems, electrical, avionics, software, manufacturing, and suppliers, taking hardware from concept through qualification and on‑orbit operation in a full‑time, on‑site role in the Denver metro area.

The role requires 4+ years of spacecraft mechanism design experience, proficiency in FEA, 3D CAD, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree is a plus.
• 4+ years of spacecraft or satellite mechanism design experience.
• Experience designing spaceflight hardware that has flown, including at least one deployment, launch restraint, or release mechanism.
• Preloaded joint design experience, including torque and preload relationships and margin.
• Hands-on deployment, vibration, and shock testing experience.
• Proficiency with structural finite element analysis (FEA) for modal, quasi-static, and random vibration.

Responsibilities

• Own design, analysis, and testing of launch restraint and release systems.
• Select and integrate NEAs and release devices, and qualify them as installed.
• Design deployment and release mechanisms, including kinematics and energy management.
• Own tile deployment from the stowed stack and its interface to the bus structure.
• Perform load-path analysis from stowed stack into bus structure.
• Characterize shock environments from release devices.
• Develop test plans for deployment, vibration, shock, and TVAC testing.
• Produce drawings with GD&T and support suppliers.

Skills

Spacecraft mechanism design

FEA (modal, quasi-static, random)

3D CAD (ASME Y14.5)

GD&T

Python or MATLAB

Launch vehicle interface knowledge

Prototyping and testing

Cross-functional communication

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD desirable

Tools

Onshape

FEM tools (Ansys/Nastran etc)

Job description

Rendezvous Robotics, based in Golden, Colorado, seeks a Mid to Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer to own design, analysis, and testing of launch restraint and release systems. You will work with systems, electrical, avionics, software, manufacturing, and suppliers, taking hardware from concept through qualification and on‑orbit operation in a full‑time, on‑site role in the Denver metro area.

The role requires 4+ years of spacecraft mechanism design experience, proficiency in FEA, 3D CAD, and