Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Mechanisms

Socket.dev; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation bonus

Medical insurance

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Katalyst is seeking an experienced mechanical engineer to design and flight-qualify spacecraft mechanisms and assemblies. You will develop CAD models, run FEA analyses, and create detailed manufacturing drawings to support integrated space systems.

The role emphasizes iterative prototyping and close collaboration with electrical and software teams. Ideal candidates have 5–8 years in spacecraft mechanism design, with strong materials mechanics knowledge, and experience with machining, welding,

Qualifications

• 5-8 years designing, modeling, developing, and flight-qualifying spacecraft mechanisms, assemblies, or payloads.
• ≥3 years running FEA analyses for vibration and shock in spacecraft or payloads.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, tribology, motors and electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with machining, welding, forming, and joining processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the NEXUS-1 spacecraft team to ensure upgrade modules integrate with the spacecraft.
• Develop and analyze kinematics, mechanism architectures, and dynamic models for deployable assemblies.
• Create detailed CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings with tolerance analyses.
• Perform structural analyses and validate design through FEA and analytical methods.
• Prototype, test, and iterate designs using additive manufacturing and machining.
• Interface with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure meet system requirements.

Skills

Spacecraft design

CAD modeling

FEA analysis

Manufacturing processes

Systems thinking

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

Job description

Katalyst Description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You'll Do

• Tightly work with the NEXUS-1 spacecraft team to ensure the upgrade modules integrate smoothly to the spacecraft
• Identify and analyze requirements, conceive and develop trade studies on mechanical systems.
• Create and iterate detailed CAD models.
• Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings and perform tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure design intent
• Develop and analyze kinematics, mechanism architectures, dynamic models, and equations of motion for deployable assemblies and in-space robotic systems.
• Develop dynamic models and analyze dynamical systems for deployable assemblies and in-space robotic systems. Analyze structural integrity and performance of parts and assemblies using analytical methods and FEA tools.
• Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to solve challenges involving load paths, stiffness, thermal effects, and vibration.
• Participate in design reviews, failure mode analysis, and system-level integration.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on designs using additive manufacturing, machining, and other fabrication methods.
• Interface with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure mechanical solutions meet overall system requirements.
• Support mechanical integration, testing, and troubleshooting of assemblies both in the lab and in the field.

What We're Looking For

Required

• 5-8 years of experience designing, modeling, developing, creating engineering drawings for, and flight-qualifying spacecraft mechanisms, assemblies, or payloads.
• 3+ years experience running FEA analyses to assess vibration and shock loads for spacecraft or payloads.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, motors and electromechanical systems, lubrication and tribology, and associated analysis methods.
• Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, forming, and joining methods

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Hands-on experience building, integrating, and testing robotic flight hardware
• Experience with avionics, optics and harnessing
• Experience in start-up environments with minimal oversight
• Ability to think in a systems mindset and understand how one subsystem affects the others

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $170,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.