Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Mechanisms

Katalyst; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Option Plan

Relocation bonus

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

Katalyst, an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design spacecraft mechanisms and flight-qualified assemblies. You will create CAD models, 2D drawings, and perform FEA to validate designs, while coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success.

You will work on deployable assemblies and in-space robotic systems, applying robust engineering principles, supporting testing, and driving design reviews in a

Qualifications

• 5–8 years designing spacecraft mechanisms, assemblies, or payloads.
• 3+ years running FEA analyses for vibration and shock.
• Strong understanding of materials failure, tribology, motors, and electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with machining, welding, forming, and joining processes.

Responsibilities

• Tightly collaborate with the NEXUS-1 spacecraft team to ensure upgrade modules integrate smoothly.
• Identify and analyze requirements; develop trade studies on mechanical systems.
• Create and iterate detailed CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure design intent.
• Develop and analyze kinematics, mechanism architectures, and dynamic models.
• Assess structural integrity of parts and assemblies using analytical methods and FEA.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to load paths, stiffness, and thermal/vibration effects.
• Participate in design reviews, failure mode analysis, and system integration.
• Prototype rapidly using additive manufacturing and other fabrication methods.
• Interface with electrical, software, and systems teams to meet system requirements.
• Support mechanical integration, testing, and troubleshooting in lab and field.

Skills

Spacecraft mechanisms design

Engineering drawings

FEA analysis

Vibration & shock analysis

Materials & tribology

Machining & fabrication

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
• Identifyand 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 roboticsystems. Analyzestructural 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 experiencerunning FEA analysestoassess 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,opticsand harnessing
• Experience instart-upenvironments with minimal oversight
• Ability to thinkina systemsmindsetand understand how one subsystemaffectsthe 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.