Sr. Mechanical Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team in the satellite industry as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer. You will lead spacecraft design, leveraging your expertise in mechanical systems to transform innovative concepts into reality. This role offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and a 401(k) match.

Benefits

100% Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience with hardware manufacture and testing.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft.
• Conduct analysis for vehicle and sub-system design robustness.
• Create comprehensive design documentation and present in reviews.

Skills

SolidWorks

Creo

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

Team Collaboration

Project Management

Education

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

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Manager, Mechanical Engineering, the Sr. Mechanical Engineer will lead or contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and thermal sub-system design, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, through all stages of product lifecycle. The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing, and low-rate initial production.

Key Duties and 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.
• In coordination with the Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams, develop spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
• Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to refine production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols, ensuring efficient integration during the initial low-volume production phase.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Additional Differentiators:

• 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% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Salary Range $125,000-$160,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. , lawful permanent 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, please note that this position may require a current United States Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to , , , , , ancestry, , , , expression, , marital status, veteran status, , genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a , you may contact us at [e-mail].

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.