Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage for you

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off

Education reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement

Employee referrals

Job summary

Terran Orbital Corporation is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of spacecraft and subsystems. You will model components, perform analyses, and create comprehensive documentation to support reviews and flight hardware readiness.

You will coordinate cross‑discipline teams, work with manufacturing to optimize producibility, and mentor junior engineers while staying current with advancing space technologies. U.S. citizenship and potential DoD clearance are required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years designing complex mechanical systems in space, aerospace or related sectors.
• Strong CAD proficiency with SolidWorks or Creo.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
• Hands-on hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly or testing experience.
• Experience coordinating multiple engineering disciplines.
• Experience conducting technical peer reviews and giving feedback.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead small teams in mechanical design of spacecraft and subsystems.
• Model mechanical parts, harnesses, and assemblies per best practices.
• Perform analyses (hand, FEA) to ensure early design robustness.
• Create and maintain drawings, BOMs, ICDs, and design notebooks.
• Prepare and present technical content for design reviews.
• Coordinate design/analysis activities across mechanical, electrical, structural, and thermal teams.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to implement DFM/DFMA best practices.
• Review peers' engineering work including drawings and specs.
• Stay current with new tech, materials, and processes for space vehicles.
• Contribute to process development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project coordination

Communication

Peer reviews

Space systems knowledge

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Education

B.S./M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

About the Opportunity

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead small teams in the mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft sub‑systems including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies in accordance with industry best practices.
• Conduct vehicle and sub‑system analysis using appropriate means including hand calculations, finite element analysis, and other relevant techniques to ensure design robustness early in the product lifecycle.
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
• Generate and present technical content in support of internal and external design reviews.
• Coordinate the execution of design and analysis activities of the mechanical, electrical integration, structural and thermal analysts to meet program milestones and schedule.
• Collaborate with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, automation engineers and production personnel on implementing design for manufacturing and assembly best practices.
• Review and approve engineering work of peers including design analysis, drawings, models, schematics, specifications, test plans, work instructions, and operating procedures.
• Stay updated with advancements in technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, and apply this knowledge to enhance the design and performance of space vehicles.
• Contribute to process development and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar sector.
• Robust capability with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
• Proficient in the interpretation and application of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing from a relevant industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with various engineering disciplines.
• Experience conducting technical peer reviews and providing constructive feedback.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Experience interfacing with internal and external customers.
• Passion for space technology and a commitment to advancing the industry through innovative engineering solutions.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Demonstrated product ownership across the product lifecycle.
• Experience in a production environment within the space/aerospace industry.
• Ability to support the technical growth of the engineering team through mentoring initiatives.

Benefits

• 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Education Reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and additional perks.

Salary Range

$105,000 - $155,000 USD

Physical Demands

Employees routinely sit or stand for long durations, bend, reach, and walk. The job may require lifting or moving objects up to 10 lbs and occasionally up to 25 lbs. The position is generally sedentary with substantial computer usage.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Equal Opportunity

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].