Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Design
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.1
Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.
We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.
Overview
Schedule
Full-time
Education
Engineering (PE)
Career level
Senior-level
Remote
On-site
Compensation
$100,250-$195,500/year
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Job Description
About the Company
At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Job Description
As a Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Design at AstroForge, you will own and drive the mechanical design of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and assemblies from early concept through flight. This role is focused on technical leadership in CAD development, configuration control, and mechanical design best practices. You will set the standard for design quality, manage complex CAD assemblies and databases, and partner closely with analysis, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver reliable flight hardware.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and documentation of spacecraft mechanical designs from concept, preliminary design, and critical design through flight hardware.
- Own spacecraft mechanical CAD architecture, including large assembly management, configuration control, and CAD database best practices.
- Drive detailed part and assembly design, including structures, mechanisms, and precision interfaces.
- Apply mechanical fundamentals to solve complex and novel spacecraft design challenges.
- Collaborate closely with analysis engineers to ensure designs are structurally and thermally sound and meet mission requirements.
- Oversee drawing creation, GD&T application, and tolerance analysis to ensure manufacturability and proper fit.
- Support hardware build, integration, and test activities, including resolving nonconformances and design issues.
- Identify, implement, and promote best practices in mechanical design, CAD workflows, and documentation standards.
- Provide technical mentorship and design guidance to other mechanical engineers.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5–10 years of experience designing mechanical hardware for spacecraft, aerospace, or equivalent high-reliability systems.
- Expert-level proficiency in CAD software; strong preference for Siemens NX.
- Extensive experience managing large CAD assemblies and complex mechanical interfaces.
- Deep knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis; ability to apply these principles independently.
- Demonstrated ownership of mechanical designs from concept through manufacturing, integration, and test.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present design decisions, trade-offs, and technical rationale.
- Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience serving as a technical lead or primary designer on flight spacecraft hardware.
- Knowledge of spacecraft mechanical best practices, including materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental considerations.
- Hands-on experience supporting structural and thermal analysis efforts.
- Experience with configuration management and CAD database governance.
- Experience taking aerospace hardware from concept through flight.
Benefits
- 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- Vision and FSA benefits available
- 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
- 10 paid holidays
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Equity on the ground floor of a startup
Salary
Level II: $100,250 - $122,500
Level III: $120,250 - $151,500
Level IV: $150,250 - $195,500
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.
FAQs About Mechanical Engineer, Spacecraft Design Jobs at AstroForge
What is the work location for this position at AstroForge?
This job at AstroForge is located in Seal Beach, California, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at AstroForge?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $100,250 and $195,500 per year.
What employment applies to this position at AstroForge?
AstroForge lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at AstroForge?
AstroForge is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
What education level is required for this job?
The education requirement for this position is Engineering (PE). Candidates with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience may also be considered.
What benefits are offered by AstroForge for this role?
AstroForge offers following benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave, 401k Matching/Retirement Savings, and Health & Wellness Programs for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at AstroForge?
You can apply for this role at AstroForge either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.