Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Momentus; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401k retirement plan

Flexible PTO

11 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Momentus in San Jose, California is seeking a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to lead mechanical hardware development for spacecraft. This role involves cross-functional collaboration ensuring optimal performance in harsh environments. Ideal candidates will have extensive mechanical design experience and strong skills in CAD, specifically SolidWorks. Join us to innovate in the rapidly growing space economy, addressing both immediate tasks and long-term goals.

The compensation ranges from $190,000 to $215,000 per year, supplemented by benefits including medical insurance and flexible PTO.

Qualifications

• 12-15+ years of relevant experience in mechanical design.
• Experience with detailed mechanical design and vendor collaboration.
• Ability to work on complex mechanical systems in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Own subsystem-level mechanical solutions for spacecraft.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated hardware solutions.
• Ensure performance in demanding thermal and vibration environments.
• Conduct mechanical testing including vibration and static load testing.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks)

Structural analysis techniques

Drafting standards knowledge (GD&T)

Requirements definition for mechanical systems

Familiarity with space environment

Material selection for space applications

General understanding of spacecraft loads

Independent work ability

Excellent communication skills

Education

BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

OUR COMPANY

As an early mover in the in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system.

OUR PEOPLE

Daring problems require daring solutions. We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy. We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future. If this sounds like you, we should talk.

JOB SUMMARY

As the Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, you will serve as the mechanical technical authority for our spacecraft, leading hardware development from early concept through production deployment. This role will collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical, Systems, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated hardware solutions. The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapting to new challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Own subsystem-level mechanical solutions, ensuring performance in demanding thermal and high-vibration environments
• Represent the mechanical discipline in internal and external design reviews and customer engagements
• Support hardware integration, verification, and production readiness activities within secure program environments
• Work with structural analysts to ensure structural integrity of the spacecraft and all components during all phases of launch
• Work with thermal analysts to ensure all components are maintained within acceptable temperature limits
• Conduct mechanical testing of systems and components including vibration testing, static load testing, and shock testing
• May be asked to support TVAC testing on an as-needed basis

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience with detailed mechanical design, including technical subcontractor and vendor collaboration
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks)
• Strong understanding of structural analysis techniques, including finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations
• Strong understanding of drafting standards such as GD&T
• Experience defining requirements for mechanical systems and components.
• Familiarity with the space environment and how it affects mechanical hardware
• Familiarity with material selection and material coatings for space applications
• General understanding of spacecraft structural loads (quasi-static loads, random vibration, shock, thermo-mechanical)
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent technical communications skills
• Good written and verbal communications skills

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience designing, manufacturing, and testing space hardware with demonstrated on-orbit success
• Experience running structural vibration testing
• Experience running TVAC tests
• Structural and/or thermal analysis experience
• Previous experience working on DoD and other USG development and deployment programs
• Ability to hold and maintain a USG Security Clearance

Education & Work Experience

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• 12-15+ year relevant experience

Compensation

Annual Base Salary Range: $190,000 - $215,000/per year

Base pay is one part of our total compensation package (base+bonus+equity) and is determined within a range. Your actual base salary will be determined on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Our benefit plans include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, short and long term disability and life insurance. We also offer flexible PTO, along with 11 paid holidays, sick time and paid parental leave.

Location and Eligibility

This is a full‑time position in San Jose, California. This position requires access to export‑controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.